When you're spending a lot of time working with ladders, it's paramount that you know the dos and don'ts. There are so many accidents that occur every year because people working with ladders aren't sticking to the safety guidelines. Now we don't want to teach you to suck eggs, but we do think it's important to provide you with a reminder of the dos and don'ts of working with ladders every so often! If you'd like to brush up on your ladder safety, just keep reading...
Before you start working with ladders
If you work with ladders regularly, you'll know that a risk assessment is very important. Understanding the environment you're working in, the equipment you're working with and the potential risks involved will prepare you to work safely. Here are some examples of risks you might need to manage if you're working with ladders regularly:
- Slips and falls from height
- Falling objects
- Uneven floor
- A physical problem with the ladder
We recommend doing your best to mitigate these risks before a serious accident occurs. Ideally, you will do as much work as you can from the ground and will spend the smallest amount of time working with ladders. That being said, there are some jobs that simply cannot be done without working with ladders, so here are some dos and don'ts for you to bear in mind.
Working with ladders - The Dos
- Take extra precautions (eg. using fall arrest equipment) if you're working on a ledge or near a fragile, breakable surface.
- Wear appropriate PPE. This includes protective headgear, gloves, footwear etc.
- Have emergency procedures in place & make sure everybody knows them!
- Check the work area for debris before you start working with your ladder.
Working with ladders - The Don'ts
- Don't use ladders that are too short for the task at hand, this can lead to overreaching.
- Don't carry too much up the ladder, each ladder has a maximum weight capacity, so take note of it.
- Don't work up a ladder for longer than 30 minutes. If the job will take longer, consider using a scaffold tower.
- Don't work on a ladder if you're not qualified to do so. Unqualified personnel are more likely to cause accidents!
Work with ladders regularly? Get trade discounts!
If you work with ladders regularly, you might benefit from a trade account here at Ladders UK Direct. With a Ladders UK Direct trade account, you can get some amazing discounts, like these:
- 5% off any order – 1-9 Units
- 10% off when you buy 10+ of the same product
- 15% off when you buy 20+ of the same product
Sign Up for Trade Discounts >
If you're ever unsure about working with ladders, we have a whole host of ladder safety guides for you to read. Alternatively, you can shop our wide range of ladders here, or drop us an email at sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk and we'll answer your queries!
