Ladder Safety 2 of 2

Ladder Safety 2 of 2

Continued from last publication

When setting up a ladder, make sure the ground it is set upon is level and stable. Do not set the ladder up on a muddy surface or you may find yourself falling over. Do not use bricks or other material to raise the height of the ladder. If it is not tall enough, you are using the wrong ladder.

The ladder should reach a minimum of three feet above the "point of support" and should be secured at this point.

When using extension ladders, abide by the 1:4 rule. This means if you are using a 12 foot ladder, the base should be three feet from the structure. Some ladders provide a picture guide on the ladder itself to assist you in this. When using a stepladder, make sure the folding cross braces are locked in the proper position before you step onto it.

Always face the ladder when ascending or descending, and have both hands free to grasp it securely. If you need tools, they should be carried in a tool belt or pulled up with a rope once you have reached your destination.

Remember the "3-Point Rule": At least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, should be in contact with the ladder at all times.

Keep your body between the side rails of the ladder. This reduces the chance of tipping it over and/or falling off.

Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on straight or extension ladders or the second tread from the top on stepladders.

 Never use a metal ladder if there’s any chance of contacting electricity.

Never assume a ladder is safe. Check it for unsafe footing, broken steps, bent legs, bent supports, cracks, worn or slippery step treads, and worn or missing rubber feet. Don’t use it if there’s a problem.

Set the ladder up on flooring that is dry, even and clear of obstacles. Never lean the ladder against anything unstable (such as a stack of boxes) or place it in front of an unguarded or unlocked door.

Follow the belt buckle rule when using a stepladder, making sure your belt buckle goes no higher than the top step of the ladder. Climb the ladder only after ensuring the frame is locked securely in place.

Follow the four-to-one rule when setting up an extension ladder. Place the ladder with its base one foot away from the wall for every four feet in height. Secure the ladder to a stable object at the top and then lock the extension securely in place. Never stand on the top two steps of an extension ladder.

Ask a spotter to hold the base of the ladder while you climb and be especially careful when climbing a ladder on a windy day. Remember to fasten the top of the ladder securely to prevent it from tipping.

Ascend and descend the ladder facing the rungs with both hands on the edges. Hoist tools and materials only after you have reached the top of the ladder.

Take precautions to prevent a fall. Use both hands when climbing and lock a leg around a rung when you need to have one hand free. Never climb onto a ladder that’s already supporting one person.

Ladder safety should never be a stretch. Most of us know when we are doing something that’s not safe when we climb a ladder. If it feels wrong, it is wrong. Get down before you fall down.

By following the above rules, you greatly reduce your chances of being injured while working on ladders. Remember, the life you save could be your own! Thank you