Selecting the right ladder is the first step in ladder safety. Using that ladder properly can help prevent accidents or injuries. There are four elements that determine the correct ladder for a job:

Style 

A variety of styles are available, including stepladders, extension ladders, twin stepladders or trestle ladders, planks, tripod ladders, articulating ladders and stocking ladders. Each can help you be more productive, safe and efficient.

Size 

Choosing a ladder that’s the appropriate height for the job is crucial to safe usage. One of the most common and potentially danger mistakes involving ladders is selecting a ladder that’s either too short or too tall.

Duty Rating 

Each ladder has a duty rating—the maximum weight the ladder will support—listed on its label. The total weight of user, the user’s clothing and any materials carried on the ladder must not exceed the duty rating.

Ladders are built to handle the demands of various applications. There are five American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recognized duty ratings: 200-pound, Type III; 225-pound, Type II; 250-pound, Type I; 300-pound, Type IA; and finally the 375-pound, Type IAA. It’s important to choose the ladder with the duty rating best suited to your needs.

Material 

The majority of ladders are made of fiberglass, aluminum and wood.

Fiberglass ladders have become a leading choice due to their durability, strength and suitability for a wide range of applications. They’re made with side rails that are electrically nonconductive and should always be used when working around electricity.

Aluminum ladders are lightweight, strong, durable and corrosion-resistant. However, because aluminum readily conducts electrical current, these ladders should never be used around electricity.

Wooden ladders are traditional, but could be susceptible to the effects of weathering and moisture absorption. Therefore, maintenance and care are important when using this kind of ladder.

Care & Maintenance

Once you’ve selected the appropriate ladder for the job, performing an inspection before each use is mandatory for safe usage. Look over the ladder carefully before purchasing it, and each time before climbing. Look for missing, damaged or loose components and never use a damaged ladder. Make sure working parts move properly and that all connections are secure.

Regular care and maintenance also keep ladders safe and in good condition. Clean spills or drips, and keep the ladder free of oil, paint or other slippery materials. Lightly lubricate moving parts, and keep the ladder protected from excessive heat and corrosive materials.

• Be particularly careful when pushing or pulling anything while on a ladder.
• Read all safety and instruction labels before climbing any ladder.
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending, and maintain a firm grip.
• Get help with a ladder that’s too heavy to handle alone.
• Be sure all ladder feet are on firm, level ground.

• Place a ladder on slippery surfaces or place loose materials under a ladder.
• Climb a closed stepladder or the back of a single-sided stepladder.
• Sit on a stepladder or pail shelf.
• Exceed the maximum load capacity of a ladder or permit more than one person on a single-sided stepladder or extension ladder.
• Use metal, waterlogged or dirty wood ladders near electricity.
• Place the base of an extension ladder either too close or too far from what the ladder top is leaning against. Placing an extension ladder base too close can cause the ladder to tip over backwards. If too far away from its vertical support point, the ladder may slip out at the bottom. In general, extension ladders should be placed at a 75 1/2 degree angle. The setback should be 1-foot for each 4 feet of length to the highest support point on which the ladder rests.
• Attempt to move or reposition a ladder by walking it or while still standing on it. Always climb down and move your ladder while standing on the ground.

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines

Read Comments [0]