ladder guide

How To Find Ladder Defects


It cannot be said any other way, it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to identify ladder defects to reduce risk of injury and accidents. Ladders should be well maintained and be subject to ladder tests at regular intervals otherwise the ladder's integrity could be compromised and the possibility of unwanted accidents increases drastically. In a recent survey, it was found that approximately 225,000 accidents happen each year that are directly related to ladder or more accurately, due to the misuse, mishandling, or negligence associated with ladder.

There are a few key points to keep in mind while checking for ladder defects.

When searching for ladder defects, it's best to get hold of a pair of strong saw horses about 3 feet tall.

You will need a few sand bags weighing around 20 - 50 lb. each. It is highly recommended that you pour the weighted sand in plastic bags to stop leakage.

Then you have to standardize a measurement system.

The next step to identifying ladder defects is to find some leather straps, nylon webbing or heavy canvas. According to NFPA, "These straps are used to hang the sand bags from the rungs so all the weight is not in one spot. We suggest nylons straps with a large loop sewed in both ends so the strap is easy to loop around the rungs and then you can hang your sand bags with a loop of rope or a bent steel S hook."

Then you will need to use a piece of plywood to support the sand bags for detecting the ladder defects.

After this, you have to chart the ladder and record all finding, therefore you must prepare a log to record all findings in once you have started identifying the ladder defects to make sure defects aren't forgotten after being discovered. This form may follow the NFPA method of operation or you can prepare it in accordance to your needs.

Once the process of identification of ladder defects is completed, it is absolutely necessary to not use the defective ladders. The ladders should be sent to the manufacturer for repair or if not possible, the ladders with defects should be promptly destroyed to avoid risk of injury or accidents.

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