ladder safety
Ladders are some of the most important tools you can use on a job site. There are different types of ladders to be used in different situations. The types of ladders available are Wooden, Aluminum, and fiberglass. Wooden ladders are heavy and hard to keep clean. Wooden ladders are sturdier than fiberglass or aluminum ladders and can be used when heavy loads must be moved up or down the ladder.
Aluminum ladders are corrosion-resistant and can be used where ladders might be exposed to weather. They are light weight and can be moved easily for different locations. You should never use aluminum ladders around electrical hazards, such as energized electrical conductors or moving equipment. Fiberglass ladders are nonconductive and are very durable, so they are useful in situations involving electrical work. Both aluminum and fiberglass ladders are easier to keep clean than wooden ladders. It is important to select the proper ladder for each job to complete the task as safely and efficiently as possible. Always check the capacity of a ladder to assure the ladder is capable of handling the maximum intended load and meets your height requirements. When not in use the ladder should be stored in an appropriate location. When going up or down a ladder never carry tools in hands, you should always have three points of contact with the ladder at all times. That is two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder steps and the rails is a good rule of thumb to prevent overreaching. Always inspect ladders before use for damages that could make the ladder unstable during use. Fall protection measures must be followed whenever the work height is six feet or greater to minimize injuries. These measures include but are not limited to:
1. Read the manufacturer’s label on the ladder. Familiarize yourself with the ladders weight capacity and applications, and select the correct ladder for the task.
2. Make sure the
Aluminum ladders are corrosion-resistant and can be used where ladders might be exposed to weather. They are light weight and can be moved easily for different locations. You should never use aluminum ladders around electrical hazards, such as energized electrical conductors or moving equipment. Fiberglass ladders are nonconductive and are very durable, so they are useful in situations involving electrical work. Both aluminum and fiberglass ladders are easier to keep clean than wooden ladders. It is important to select the proper ladder for each job to complete the task as safely and efficiently as possible. Always check the capacity of a ladder to assure the ladder is capable of handling the maximum intended load and meets your height requirements. When not in use the ladder should be stored in an appropriate location. When going up or down a ladder never carry tools in hands, you should always have three points of contact with the ladder at all times. That is two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder steps and the rails is a good rule of thumb to prevent overreaching. Always inspect ladders before use for damages that could make the ladder unstable during use. Fall protection measures must be followed whenever the work height is six feet or greater to minimize injuries. These measures include but are not limited to:
1. Read the manufacturer’s label on the ladder. Familiarize yourself with the ladders weight capacity and applications, and select the correct ladder for the task.
2. Make sure the