Ladders are a basic and important tool. But they put you in a dangerous situation. Knowing how to safely use them will keep you from a world of hurt.
1. Know Yourslef
The first item in basic ladder safety is to make sure you can use a ladder safely. Are you physically and mentally able to climb and stand on a ladder?
If you have and foot, ankle or leg injury avoid ladder use. If you experience vertigo, have poor balance or are afraid of heights then don't use a ladder. If you are tired, intoxicated or medicated then stay away from the ladder (and the job site).
2. Know Your Environment
Knowing where the ladder is going and what hazards are around will help you use the proper ladder and setup for the task at hand.
- Make sure the ground is level and stable, as well as the supporting surface.
- Lock and block doors if a ladder has to go in front of one so it won't be opened and accidentally knock the ladder down.
- Never setup a ladder in high winds.
- Never setup a ladder on top of plastic or other slick surfaces.
- Do not set up a ladder on snow or ice unless necessary. If you do make sure to stake the bottom down and secure the ladder from slipping.
- If there are electric wires around use a wood or fiberglass ladder.
3. Know Your Ladder
Make sure you use a ladder made of the right material for the environment. And use the proper duty type for the weight load it must support (you plus your tools).
4. Inspect Your Ladder
Before you place a foot on the ladder give it a look to make sure it is still structurally sound. And cracks, splits or loose parts and your ladder should be replaced.
5. Ladder Setup
Know how to properly setup and use your type of ladder.
Never place your ladder on top of a non-stable base, such as boxes and bricks. Likewise, never use a ladder on a scaffold platform. Make sure the ladder does not lean sideways. Brace or stake the feet if there is the potential for slipping.
6. Climbing a Ladder
To safely climb a ladder (whether up or down) always face towards the ladder and use three points of contact. Between your two hand and two feet you should always have three of them contacting the ladder.
Don't carry loads up the ladder. Climb the ladder then pull them up in a bucket.
Never climb onto a ladder from the side, from above the top or from one ladder to another.
7. Ladder Use
Once you have climbed to your work position safe ladder use is basically keeping your center of gravity within the center of the ladder.
- Don't overreach or lean while on a ladder. Keep you belt buckle within the rails of the ladder.
- Do not climb onto or off of a ladder from the side.
- Do not slide down a ladder.
- Don't try to move a ladder while you are on it.
- Don't push or pull things sideways while on the ladder.
- Only one person at a time on the ladder.
- Do not leave tools on the top of the ladder.
- Ladders are not scaffold planks. They won't work horizontally.
