Have you ever wondered why there are so many accidents involving ladders

 

Ladders have been a part of our lives for nearly 10,000 years. They can be found in almost every home and workplace. Their familiar design might lead people to think that using a ladder is straightforward and doesn’t require any special knowledge or skills, but that’s not the case at all! It’s really important that anyone who uses a ladder receives proper training and understands ‘working at height.’

 

This way, they can be aware of the different risks involved and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and avoid injuries.

 

What are some ways we can keep ourselves safe and avoid accidents or injuries when working at heights?

 

By taking a few simple steps, you can make working at height safer and reduce the risk of ladder accidents or personal injury.

 

Risk evaluation

 

Before getting started, it’s a great idea to do a quick risk assessment to see if a ladder is the best choice for the job. As a helpful tip, if you find yourself needing to stay on a leaning ladder or stepladder for over 30 minutes, it might be wise to explore some alternative equipment. Remember, ladders should only be used when it’s safe to do so, like ensuring they are level and stable.

 

After completing the risk assessment, if a ladder is the best tool for the job, it’s important for the ladder operator to be skilled and knowledgeable in using the equipment safely.

 

Selecting the appropriate ladder

 

Using a ladder for tasks it wasn’t designed for can lead to falls, so it’s really important to choose one that’s perfect for what you plan to do. Remember, health and safety regulations include specific measurement requirements to keep you safe!

 

When inspecting the ladder, take a moment to look for any defects. If you find any, it’s best to avoid using the ladder until it’s repaired. Safety first!

 

Take a moment to look over the stiles and make sure they’re nice and straight, without any bends or damage.

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Make sure the feet are in good condition and not worn, damaged, or missing.

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Please ensure the rungs are in good condition; checking that they’re not bent, worn, or missing is super important!

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Make sure that any locking mechanisms are securely engaged, and take a moment to check that they aren’t bent or damaged.

Please take a moment to check that the stepladder platform isn’t split or buckled, as your safety is your priority!

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Take a moment to check the steps or treads on your stepladder. If they’re contaminated, they might be a bit slippery, so it’s better to be safe!

 

Setting up a ladder

 

Once you've done your pre-use checks and confirmed that it's in tip-top shape, it's really important to know where and how to set up the ladder safely and where to avoid.

 

Make sure to look out for any overhead electrical wires, and keep the area around both the base and the top of the ladder clear of any debris, tools, and other objects.

 

If you’re using a ladder in busy areas or public spaces, don’t forget to set up some appropriate barricades for added safety. And if you're using a ladder near a doorway, make sure to lock those doors shut!

 

Ensuring your ladder is secure is super important for keeping the user safe! You can easily secure your ladder by strapping it to a solid anchor point or using a reliable stability or anti-slip device.

 

Just remember, the last option should be using the footing, so we want to avoid that if possible. Making sure your ladder is safely secured helps the feet stay put, preventing any slips and keeping both the ladder and the person using it safe and sound!

 

Ladder Stabilizers and Anti-Slip Devices

 

When choosing a ladder stabilizer or anti-slip device, it's important to consider the toughest surfaces and conditions you might face. For instance, will you be using it indoors or outside, and what about the ground, is it going to be wet, muddy, or icy?

 

Make sure to select a ladder and stability device that are well-suited for the surfaces you plan to work on.

 

Stay Safe on Your Ladder

 

Climbing a ladder, even for a short distance, can feel like a bit of a balancing act. But don’t worry! By following these helpful tips, you can enjoy a much more comfortable and secure climbing experience:

 

Always ensure your ladder is positioned at the right angle, ideally around 75° or with a 1 in 4 ratio. Also, double-check that it’s tall enough for the job at hand to keep

everything safe and secure!

 

Wear protective footwear with slip-resistant soles and heels. Before mounting a ladder, ensure your footwear is in good condition, and wipe off the soles if

necessary. Don't climb a ladder if the soles of your shoes or boots are wet, muddy or slippery

 

Remember to hold onto the rungs of the ladder instead of the side rails. The rungs offer a much steadier grip if your foot happens to slip. Always face the ladder

when you're climbing up or down and while you’re working from it. It’s also important to keep the center of your body within the side rails for your safety.

 

Remember to keep three points of contact on the ladder—this means having either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in touch with the ladder at all

times! It’s a simple way to stay safe while you work.

 

It’s best to carry only lightweight materials and tools, and try to keep your hands free while climbing.

 

Let’s try to keep things balanced and avoid stretching ourselves too thin!

 

Don’t try to move or extend ladders while standing on the rungs

 

It’s best to avoid working from the top three rungs of a ladder. The higher you climb, the more likely it is that the ladder could slip at the base, and we definitely want

to keep you safe!

 

It’s best not to place ladders on movable items like pallets, bricks, lift trucks, tower scaffolds, excavator buckets, vans, or mobile elevating work platforms. For your

safety, make sure to set them up on stable ground!

 

When using a leaning ladder, it’s really important to make sure it’s secure! You can do this by tying the ladder down so it won’t slip outwards or sideways. Also,

having a sturdy upper resting point makes it safer for you to work with confidence. It’s a great idea to always make use of an effective stability device!

 

** DISCLAIMER **

 

We want to remind you that our site provides general information about ladder safety and working at height, as well as health-related tips, but it’s important to note that it is not a substitute for professional advice.  

We strongly encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided. Please remember that we do not offer any legal advice regarding ladder safety or health and safety issues. Using or relying on any information we share is done at your own risk.  

 

We aim to give you helpful tips, but this should not be considered professional advice.  

 

We recommend checking out the Working at Height ACT 2005 and the HSE Safe Use of Ladders and Step Ladders Guide for more detailed guidance on ladder safety and working at height.  

 

Keep in mind that the information we provide is not an exhaustive list.

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Get in touch now for your free quotation

 

 

 

 

Telephone or message

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07890 832857

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cvcscleaning@icloud.com​