Here at Ladders UK Direct, we want you to be as safe as possible when you’re working at height. Falling off a ladder can cause injuries or even death, so here’s some expert advice to help you stay safe when using your ladder.
NOTE: The advice below is primarily focused on the safe use of leaning ladders. If you’re using a step ladder, see How to Use a Step Ladder Safely.
- Before you start
- Setting up the ladder
- Safe ladder use
1) Before you start
- Pre-use inspection. You should give your ladder a thorough inspection 2 to 4 times per year, but on top of that, you should carry out a quick visual check prior to each use to make sure there are no defects. Our How to Inspect a Ladder checklist may come in handy here.
- Check the ladder’s load capacity before use. Make sure the combined weight of your person plus any tools and materials you’ll be using does not exceed the manufacturer’s stated load capacity.
2) Setting up the ladder
- Ensure the feet of the ladder will be firmly on level ground at all times. Don’t stand the ladder on movable objects. Keep the area around the ladder’s feet free of wires and slippery substances.
- Make sure the ladder has a sturdy, stable upper resting point. Do not rest the top of the ladder against weak or fragile structures like a glass pane or flimsy plastic guttering.
- Position the ladder so it’s facing in the direction you’ll be working. You want to avoid unstable stances while you’re on the ladder, like twisting your body around to face in another direction.
- Stick to the 1-in-4 rule. Leaning ladders should be used at a 75° angle from the ground. This is easily achieved by following the 1-in-4 rule: for every 4 units of height, position the base of the ladder 1 unit away from the wall. For more information, see What Is the 1-in-4 Rule?
3) Safe ladder use
- Face the rungs and maintain a secure grip on the ladder when climbing up or down.
- Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Preferably this will be two feet and one hand. If you need both hands to work, keep both feet in contact with the ladder and lean your knees or chest against the ladder to create a third point of contact.
- Use a tool belt. A tool belt allows you to keep your hands free for secure climbing or descending the ladder. It also helps you to maintain three points of contact while working.
- Don’t overreach or lean too far to one side. Follow the Belt Buckle Rule to avoid destabilising the ladder and causing it to topple over with you on it.
- Don’t stand on the top three rungs. If you can’t reach your work, you should use a longer ladder so that there are always three rungs (or about 1 metre) of ladder above the rung you’re on.
Working at height always carries hazards, but by following these simple guidelines you can get the most out of your ladder in the safest way possible. Always prioritise safety when working from height.
If in the course of your pre-use checks you find that your ladder is unsafe to use, or if your ladder isn’t long enough for the task at hand, you’re in the right place. Ladders UK Direct has a wide array of ladders at competitive prices—plus we offer FREE DELIVERY on all orders!
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