Ladder Safety

Nothing badder than a ladder

Ladder selection

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself when using a ladder is to find the appropriate class of ladder. This will let you know if the ladder is constructed to accept the loads you intend to use it for. There are three types:

Type I ' Industrial Class: these ladders are meant for hard duty and have a load capacity of 250 lbs.

Type II ' Commercial Class: This type of ladder is meant for frequent use under medium duty. These ladders have a load capacity of 225 lbs.

Type III ' Household: These ladders are meant for occasional use around the home. They have a load capacity of 200 lbs.

Ladder maintenance

Look for the Underwriter's Laboratory seal when selecting a ladder and make sure it is the proper type for the job. Be sure before each use you visually inspect your ladder for any defects, making sure the ladder is clean so that problems are not concealed. If there is a problem, set the ladder aside marked so that it may be repaired, returned or discarded.

Wooden ladders should have a clear finish of varnish, shellac, linseed oil, or another commercial wood preservative. Avoid paint because this can hide potentially dangerous defects. Reapply the wood preservative every odd numbered year in order to have a lasting, safe ladder.

Aluminum Ladders must be inspected for burrs and sharp points and edges before using. Loose fasteners, welds, and cracks should be the focus of any inspection prior to use. With extension ladders make sure that the hooks, locks and ropes are in proper working order.

Fiberglass Ladders should have a clear coat over the uprights to prevent fraying and deterioration. If scratched deeply or frayed, a light sanding should be done before applying another coat.

Ladder usage

When setting up an extension ladder, you should follow ratio of 1 to 4. This would mean that if you are extending a ladder to twelve feet the ladder should be three feet away from the wall. The ladder should also extend at least three feet above the top landing.

You may also want to use a bolt on stabilizer bar like the ones offered by Little Giant Ladders or Werner Ladders, which make the top of the ladder wider while only adding a negligible amount of weight. You should also be sure to place your ladder's feet on a substantial and level footing.

Care should be exercised anytime work is done with a ladder near electrical wires or connections. Keep ladders as far as possible from power lines. Use wood or fiberglass ladders if work must be done near electrical wires and still use caution. Never use an aluminum or metal ladder near power lines.

More information on ladders