ladder guide

Nine Ladder Safety Tips To Reduce Risk And Injury


The manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, John Drengenberg, once famously stated, "The number of emergency room visits from ladder-related injuries totals more than those for lawn mowers and home workshop saws combined."

This is quite a shocking statement, but Mr. Drengenberg also had this to say about ladders, "Of course the ladder is dangerous only if it is improperly used. So, whether you're standing on a stepladder to change a light bulb in the living room or on an extension ladder to clean out the gutters, a few precautions can keep you safe around the home."

For Mr. Drengenberg, it is not about money, the bottom line is safety. As manager of a not-for-profit product safety testing organization his concerns are not without reasons. It was found that nearly 225,000 accidents happen each year which are directly related to ladder abuse, misuse, or mishandling of ladders.

Here are some ladder safety tips as recommended by the experts:

Ladder safety tip #1:
The instructions and warnings in the manuals are to be read well and heeded. These are prepared for your safety.

Ladder safety tip #2:
Choose your ladder appropriately according to the job at hand. If the jobs are different, so are the ladders. The weight and design are main considerations.

Ladder safety tip #3:
Fiberglass ladders should be the #1 choice whenever there is work to be done in the vicinity of electricity.

Ladder safety tip #4:
Ladder rungs must always be kept clean and dry.

Ladder safety tip #5:
Place ladders on firm and even surfaces. Setting the ladder on a muddy, uneven, or soft ground has proven to be fatal.

Ladder safety tip #6:
Ladders should never be kept completely unattended after being erected.

Ladder safety tip #7:
The ladder should be kept at least one foot distance away from the object it is leaning on. Ideally, an angle of about 30 degrees should always be maintained.

Ladder safety tip #8:
While working on a ladder, the user should remember not to overextend themselves under any circumstances.

Ladder safety tip #9:
Do not carry tools or any equipment while using a ladder. It is much wiser to use a tool belt.

Ladder Guide Home
Copyright © 2006-2008 LadderGuide.com