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Do-it-Yourself
Ladder Safety Guide
In 2004 The United
States department of Labor reported that the number of injuries
and fatalities from falls from roofs and ladders had increased.
This report focused on occupational injuries that generally occur
among trained personnel, which speaks to an even greater safety
concern over DIY projects utilizing ladders.
Most accidents occur
from incorrect use of the ladder or materials. Before you begin
a project make sure that you have gone through safety preparations
and are familiar with the tools to be used. As in most DIY projects,
the best safety precaution is to think out your task thoroughly
before beginning. You should have confidence in both yours and
your equipment’s ability to complete the project.
Getting Started:
Once you have decided that you need to use a ladder to complete
your project, make sure that you have the right type of ladder.
There are many types of ladders all with their own advantages
and disadvantages, which may include weight and height limits.
If you are not sure that your ladder is the best fit for the job,
make sure to consult a professional.
Some general
things to look for in a ladder are:
How strong is it?
How tall is it?
Is it made primarily for indoor or outdoor use?
What material is it made out of (certain materials can have unique
weaknesses or safety concerns)?
Does it have any cracks?
Does it have a coating such as paint that could cover defects?
Are the rungs secured?
Are the footpads secure and dry?
Diving into
your Project:
While you may be eager to get started on your project, please
take the time to ensure that your ladder is set-up correctly and
that you know how to use it safely.
1. Make sure your ladder
is steady. Place the ladder on a surface that is strong and level;
also make sure that the ladder is not on top of any slippery materials.
2. If using a stepladder, make sure that the spreader arms are
in the locked, open position.
3. If you are using a straight or extension ladder, make sure
the ladder is resting at the correct angle to the wall or structure
it is leaning on. The angle is normally 75-80 degrees. Or for
every 4 ft high the ladder is on the wall, make the base 1 ft
away from the bottom of the wall.
4. If using a straight or extension ladder, make sure that the
top of the ladder is resting against a straight and solid surface.
5. Make sure that you have at least three points of contact with
the ladder when working, such as two feet and one hand.
6. Wear flat shows or boots with grip when working on a ladder
7. Do not carry heavy items while climbing the ladder, use some
type of hoist or pulley system to retrieve the items instead
8. Don’t work on a ladder in strong wind
9. Don’t allow children near the ladder
10. Never stand on the top two rungs of the ladder
11. Stay centered and facing the ladder when climbing or working
These ten tips will
help keep you safe, however they are not all-inclusive. If you
have any questions about your ladder or safety concerns about
your project, make sure to consult an expert. Amanda Miller is
a home repair and interior design expert. She has reviewed numerous
home improvement tools such as little
giant ladders systems
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