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Tag: ladder-safety

Ladder leaning against wall

Ladders are very useful when you need to access a hard-to-reach area, but they can be dangerous if misused.

When you're on a ladder, be sure to avoid these 10 potentially risky behaviours:

Step ladder

 

We don't want you to get hurt while you're using your step ladder, so here's some helpful step ladder safety advice from the experts here at Ladders UK Direct.

 

How to use a step ladder

  • Give your step ladder a brief visual inspection before use. Make sure there are no signs of damage. (See also: How often should ladders be inspected?)

  • Make sure all of the ladder's feet are firmly on the ground and keep them in contact with the ground at all times.

  • Don't work on a step ladder for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Step ladders are ideal for quick, low-risk jobs. If you need to work at height for more than, say, half an hour, you should consider an alternative access solution.

  • Don't overreach. Instead of stretching to reach something, get down and reposition the ladder as needed.

Ladders leaning against a wall

Inspect your ladder around 2 to 4 times a year.

Falling from a ladder can lead to injury and even death, so it's important to ensure that your ladder is stable and free of defects before you use it.

Leaning ladder

A ladder is a great way to complete low-risk, short-duration work at height. But before you go up that ladder, it's important to make sure that it's nice and stable - the last thing you want is a ladder that's going to slip outwards or sideways while you're at the top of it!

To help you stop your ladder from slipping, here are some tips from the experts here at Ladders UK Direct.

Extending Ladder

 

Pictured: Professional Double Extension Ladder

Here's our step-by-step guide to help you stay safe while using an extension ladder.

  1. Minimise the load - only carry extra weight (e.g. tools, paints) up the ladder if you need them.

  2. Don't over-reach while on the ladder - if you're struggling to reach, get off the ladder and reposition it.

  3. Don't rush - work slowly and avoid taking risks

  4. When possible, keep your hands free to grip the ladder - a tool belt is a good way to achieve this

  5. Don't attempt to adjust or extend the ladder while you're on it!