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WORKING SAFELY WITH LADDERS WORKING SAFELY WITH LADDERS
By Frank Lorey By Frank Lorey
There are many safety issues regarding the use of ladders. Some just require common There are many safety issues regarding the use of ladders. Some just require common
sense, and will keep you out of trouble (and free from injury). Choose the right ladder for sense, and will keep you out of trouble (and free from injury). Choose the right ladder for
your job based on its size and design. Remember—SAFE EQUIPMENT, SAFELY USED is your job based on its size and design. Remember—SAFE EQUIPMENT, SAFELY USED is
your best work plan. your best work plan.
• Visually inspect your ladder before each use. Check for cracks, breaks, broken parts, • Visually inspect your ladder before each use. Check for cracks, breaks, broken parts,
anything damaged or out of place. Tag it “defective” if anything is found to be wrong. anything damaged or out of place. Tag it “defective” if anything is found to be wrong.
• Do not overload a ladder—check for a rated capacity. • Do not overload a ladder—check for a rated capacity.
• Use the ladder only for its designed purpose. • Use the ladder only for its designed purpose.
• Keep rungs free of clutter, oil, grease, or anything that would be a hazard. Clean anything • Keep rungs free of clutter, oil, grease, or anything that would be a hazard. Clean anything
slippery from your shoes before using the ladder. slippery from your shoes before using the ladder.
• Make sure the ladder is on a level, stable surface. Watch for anything that may make the • Make sure the ladder is on a level, stable surface. Watch for anything that may make the
ladder slip or shift. It should be sitting straight and firmly on the ground. Do not level the ladder slip or shift. It should be sitting straight and firmly on the ground. Do not level the
feet of the ladder using small objects such as bricks. feet of the ladder using small objects such as bricks.
• Keep the work area clear around the ladder, making sure others can see the ladder in use, • Keep the work area clear around the ladder, making sure others can see the ladder in use,
especially around doorways. especially around doorways.
• Do not move or shift a ladder while in use (“walking” the ladder). • Do not move or shift a ladder while in use (“walking” the ladder).
• When leaning a ladder against a surface, make sure there is enough of an angle to safely • When leaning a ladder against a surface, make sure there is enough of an angle to safely
ascend, work, and descend. ascend, work, and descend.
• Do not use a metal ladder where it may make contact with electrical sources. • Do not use a metal ladder where it may make contact with electrical sources.
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending. • Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Do not carry heavy loads up or down a ladder that could make you loose your balance. • Do not carry heavy loads up or down a ladder that could make you loose your balance.
One hand should be free to assist with climbing or descending. One hand should be free to assist with climbing or descending.
• Do not go higher on a ladder than the last rung that is marked safe to use. Never use • Do not go higher on a ladder than the last rung that is marked safe to use. Never use
the step on the top of a ladder. Overreaching probably causes the most accidents on the step on the top of a ladder. Overreaching probably causes the most accidents on
ladders—trying to get up too high, or reach out too far instead of moving the ladder. ladders—trying to get up too high, or reach out too far instead of moving the ladder.
When you are done, put the ladder away properly so that it will be in good condition and ready When you are done, put the ladder away properly so that it will be in good condition and ready
for use the next time. for use the next time.
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