Extension ladders are one of the popularly utilized tools tradesmen and technicians. As a result of their popularity, they are also responsible for a lot of work-related accidents that happen each year – very unfortunate!
However, the ladders aren’t dangerous if utilized properly. So, if you’re going to be using an extension ladder in the future, it’s important you learn the best way of using it to prevent the incidents that happen each year from happening or at least escalating.
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Reasons for using Extension Ladders
These types of ladders are extremely efficient, useful and practical tools. There’s no better or more efficient way of working at heights than using an extension ladder. Since the ladders are extendable to different lengths, you can install, scale and work at height in minutes with them, The options, such as using scaffold towers and cherry picker cranes can either be too costly or time-consuming or both.
Best times to use Extension Ladders
As you might already know, not all projects require working at height that will need the use of extension ladders. Usually, when working at low height, using a step ladder can be a better option. Roof ladders an also be used to work down to a height as well. For these reasons, it’s important for you to assess the most suitable type of ladder the task at hand requires.
Extension Ladder Safety
As mentioned, there are several accidents that happen each year while using extension ladders. Therefore, learning the best way to use extension ladders can help to prevent a lot of these accidents.
There are five fundamental steps to properly using an extension ladder safely. These include the following:
- Inspection: You should inspect the ladder to ensure that’s there are no faults. Check out for cracks, buckling and dents. Pay close attention to the rungs and feet. In case you discover any issues, go and have the ladder replaced. From there, you also need to inspect the ground you’ll be working on to ensure it’s not loose and it on an even surface. The surface should also be free from any loose grave stones or dirt. Ensure that there’s room to work in as well.
- Erect: You should extend the ladder as needed and avoid over extending it. There should be a block to make sure that you don’t go beyond the ideal point. If it’s not there, make sure you level several rungs to enhance safety. When erecting the ladder against the wall, make sure you do so from a good angle. Don’t put it too steep as it could topple or too shallow because it could slip. The best recommended angle is about 75 degrees above horizontal to be safest.
- Climbing: You should keep three points of contact while you climb up. Your tools should be hauled up afterward or in belt and you should never climb with them on your hands.
- Footing: Look for someone to help you to foot the ladder if possible. The person should help to keep the ladder sturdy while you climb and ensure that the feet of the placed level and the ladder isn’t liable to topple or slip.
- Working: Ensure that you don’t work too high. Make sure that there are at least three rungs ahead of you for holds. Never reach out and secure tools of necessary. Try to work calmly without making any sudden or violet movements, which could lead to the ladder swaying. Also, you should not lean out if you’re unable to reach tools. Instead, get down and reset the ladder. You may require doing that several, particularly if you’re clearing a gutter.
Conclusion
Extension ladders are useful and very effective tools that everyone working at height will require. However, these tools can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Indeed, they cause a lot of accidents in each. To ensure safety while working with an extension ladder, following the above guidelines will be very helpful.