When it comes to ladder safety, you can never be too cautious. While you might think that climbing in and out of your loft ladder is a fairly safe manoeuvre, there's still a very real possibility that an accident could occur.
In fact, climbing in and out of the attic can be more dangerous than you might think for the following reasons:
- The space for the ladder is limited
- You might have large, cumbersome items in your hands
- Your loft ladder might be old and inadequate
One small wobble and you could find yourself flat out on the landing with the Christmas decorations strewn all around, so it's important that you choose a loft ladder that's sturdy, stable and capable of carrying an appropriate maximum weight.
Fitted loft ladders
Although you might think it's okay to grab a ladder out of the shed on the rare occasion that you need something from the attic, investing in a fitted loft ladder is usually a far safer option.
Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of loft ladders that comply with safety regulations, while also offering excellent stability. Choose either a wooden or an aluminium loft ladder depending on your style and needs. We even offer a variety of loft stairs which provide you with permanent loft access and boast a lovely traditional design.
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Aluminium or wood?
You might be wondering whether aluminium or wooden ladders are the safer options. Well, here's what you should consider while you're trying to choose between the two. If your loft ladder will be on display, then you might want to go for a wooden loft ladder with a charming traditional appearance. These ladders can be painted to match your decor and will offer excellent stability. We often recommend wooden loft ladders for elderly people because they're a little more robust than their aluminium counterparts.
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If cost is more of a concern, we offer a whole range of aluminium ladders that are still very safe to use. Aluminium ladders come in a variety of styles including concertina and sliding. Of these two styles, sliding loft ladders offer slightly more stability than concertina - so if you're planning to use your loft ladder frequently you might favour this kind. That being said, our concertina loft ladders are certified to the necessary safety regulations and are sure to get you in and out of your loft without a hitch.
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Loft ladder safety tips
Having a fitted loft ladder installed is just one part of loft ladder safety. Realistically, you can still injure yourself if you use your loft ladder incorrectly. Here are a few loft ladder safety tips to help you get in and out of the attic smoothly.
1. Maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times
2. Check that there is no damage to the loft ladder or hatch before you start your climb
3. Don't carry items up the ladder that are too large or heavy
4. Ask for help if you're struggling to get something in/out of the loft
5. Don't attempt to drop from the loft hatch or slide down the loft ladder
6. Keep vulnerable people, children and pets well out of the way
7. Don't strain to put things in or take things out of the loft
8. Make sure you have sensible shoes or footwear on before you climb the ladder
Hopefully, this blog gives you some insight on how to choose and use a loft ladder safely. For more ladder safety tips - click here. If you have any questions about loft ladders or loft ladder safety, don't hesitate to drop us an email sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk.
