Rolling ladders are essential in commercial and industrial settings like warehouses and stock rooms for accessing high objects quickly. To reposition a rolling ladder, all you need to do is carefully tilt it backwards and push it to your desired location to have stable and secure access to your goods in seconds.
These may be easy ladders to use, but using them incorrectly could result in injury to you and those around you. Before getting work, familiarise yourself with the rolling ladder safety tips below...
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions
The manufacturer’s instructions will contain important information for the assembly, maintenance and safe use of your rolling ladder.
It’s essential that you read this guidance carefully as the information included will determine factors such as weight capacity, avoiding electrical hazards and storage recommendations, among others.
If you can’t find the manufacturer's instructions that came with your ladder, you can typically find a copy of them on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Pre-use check
Before getting to work, it’s important to inspect the rolling ladder to check for any signs of damage.
First look out for wear and tear, cracks, loose bolts, broken wheels, etc. It’s a good idea to give the ladder a wipe to make sure there’s no dirt covering any damage.
For rolling ladders with brake systems or automatic wheel locks, it’s essential that you ensure these mechanisms are in working order and are fully engaged before attempting to work on the ladder.
If you note any of the above issues you should not use the ladder.
3. Position it correctly
To prevent the ladder from moving or slipping you must position it on a sturdy, level surface. Do not set up your rolling ladder if the ground is wet, oily or uneven.
You should also make sure the ladder is placed close enough to where you’ll be working so you won’t need to overreach. Leaning too far in one direction while using a ladder can cause it to topple resulting in a nasty fall.
4. Work with a spotter where possible
It’s much safer to work with a colleague positioned on the ground at the foot of the ladder. This way they are there to assist you if anything goes wrong and can help by passing tools and materials up to you, so you don’t have to carry them with you while you ascend which can be dangerous.
It’s also always handy to have a second pair of eyes on hand when moving and repositioning the ladder.
5. Follow the 3-point rule
The 3-point rule requires users to maintain at least three points of contact with the ladder at all times. For example, one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot. If you need to use both hands to work then you should lean your chest against the ladder for better balance.
You can find lots more ladder safety guidance here on the Ladders UK Direct blog! Click the link below to read more, or browse the rolling ladders available on our website.
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