Views: 83 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-10-08 Origin: Site
Many people worry about the safety of ladders, but in reality, a quality ladder that is safe and used for the right purpose is the perfect tool for working at heights. Accidents on ladders often occur because of the risk taken in the first place - over reaching the ladder or placing the ladder in an inappropriate position are the most common causes of accidents.
Never build a ladder in a hurry. Make sure the locking mechanism is engaged. Rushing to assemble a ladder may mean that the ladder will collapse when in use. Rushing from a tree-lined area into a dry area may mean the ladder will slip because leaves are still attached to the ladder feet. A simple inspection before climbing up the ladder can prevent this dreaded situation.
A good quality ladder will last for many years, but as a ladder user it is still important to have the ladder inspected before use:
At the beginning of each working day.
If certain changes occur, such as moving the ladder from a dirty area to a clean area, or if the ladder is dropped, etc.
Never trust someone to say a ladder is safe, always make sure your ladder is safe before using it.
Never assume a ladder is safe. Damage may occur during storage or transportation that you may not be aware of.
A ladder pre-use inspection may sound like a long, drawn-out task, but it doesn't have to be - it could even save your life. Pre-use inspections of ladders will quickly become a matter of habit rather than an inconvenience to professional ladder users.
Check them for bending or damage. Ladders can bend or fold if used with a bending style. Never take chances.
Check the feet on the ladder. They should be the right size and made of rubber to provide excellent grip. Make sure the feet are not missing, worn or damaged. Check your ladder feet regularly, especially if you are moving from one area to another. Loose soil, gravel or sand can stick to the feet. Make sure that these unwanted materials are not in contact with the ground, as this can cause the ladder to slip and fall. Make sure it is the feet (and not the material) that are always in contact with the ground.
Check that all ladder rungs are in place and securely attached. Bent, loose, missing or worn rungs can cause the ladder to malfunction, or you may slip and fall.
Check the locking mechanism, using all safety devices on the ladder, including the locking bar. If they are bent or the securing mechanism is worn or damaged, the ladder may collapse. Do not use a ladder if the safety features do not work, as this could result in serious injury or even death.
If the ladder is used in hazardous conditions, the ladder may be as dangerous as any other type of ladder. If the platform is split or buckled, it may cause the ladder to become unsafe.
Even if the rungs are perfectly usable, serious accidents can occur from dirt that comes in contact with them. Always make sure your ladder rungs are free of excess debris. Likewise, make sure your shoes are, too. Leaves can easily stick to the soles of your shoes and act like an ice rink when they come in contact with the ladder rungs. Be careful!
