Working heights of ladders

Ever encountered the problem where your ladder is too high and keeping becomes a trouble? Or the ladder you bought is way too short that you can’t carry out the works you planned to? This issue can be easily prevented, and the most simple and direct solution: match the working height of the ladder to what you require!

Before visiting www.estore.com.sg or our retail stores, you may wish to come prepared with the following information to make your purchase a fruitful and accurate one.

1.       Is a step/extension ladder more suitable for your usage

2.       What is the approximate or maximum height you plan to reach when carrying out your work

When such information is available, it becomes easy to find the perfect ladder for your needs. All you have to do is to match the information with the specifications of the ladders. The image below will give you a good overview of what the various measurements indicate.

Other than selecting the suitable working heights for ladders, other factors like material or purpose of ladder must be also taken into consideration. (Which will be covered in future posts)

Visit our store today at www.estore.com.sg and enjoy an efficient and fruitful ladder shopping experience!

Photo creditExtension ladder www.builderonline.comStep Ladder http://www.rapidonline.com/facilities/aluminium-step-ladder-6-tread-industrial-bs-2037-1-301883/

Dos and Don'ts on a ladder!

Knowing the instructions on the safety label found on the ladders give you a good headstart in protecting your own safety while using a ladder. Below is a list of Dos and Don'ts you are encouraged to follow, such that ladder accidents can be minimized to a minimum!

Dos

1. Set up ladder according to safety label on the ladder, and carefully read all the instructions and precautions to take note of.

2. Make sure you have 3 points of contact (i.e both feet and one hand in contact) with the ladder

(Photo credit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/usingladders/threepoints.htm)

3. The tools you require should be in a pouch/waist belt. Users should not be holding onto any tools on their hand because it will affect the user’s grip on the ladder.

4. Climb facing the ladder at all times while firmly set one foot before moving the other. 

(Photo credit: http://us.wernerco.com/support/ladder-safety-tips/dos-and-donts# )

5.Make sure the ladder is placed on a solid ground/leaned on a solid surface that will be able to sustain the weight of the climber and the tools

Don'ts

1.Don’t allow more than one climber on the ladder at any time. There should only be one person on the ladder.

2. Don’t shift the ladder while there is someone on the ladder. Always descend, move the ladder, then climb again

3. If an extension ladder is being used, don’t lean the ladder too close or too far away from any surface. 

(Ladder is placed too far away from wall)

(photocredit http://0.tqn.com/d/ergonomics/1/0/d/3/-/-/photo.JPG)

4.Don’t stand on the top step of the ladder as shown on the safety label.

5.Don’t climb the back of a step ladder, don’t climb a closed step ladder

6. Don’t exceed the duty rating of the ladder (Duty ratings will be covered in future posts!)

Avoid any ladder injury by adhering to these dos and donts! A safe climber is a smart climber, so never underestimate the importance of these tips! 

The different types of ladders available in Singapore

The first question to ask yourself when buying a ladder: What is the ladder for?

Just like any other hardware tool, ladders come in all sorts of sizes and functionalities catered to different targeted usage. Choosing the right ladder catered to your needs is the first step in ensuring efficient use of the product, and your personal safety. Here, we hope you can find the perfect match between our ladders and your construction or repairs needs! There are 3 main types of ladders targeted for different usages – Industrial, Domestic, and fiberglass ladders. Knowing the differences between these 3 types of ladder will aid you in making a more informed decision when visiting our online store!

Industrial Ladders

Industrial ladders are catered for usage in areas like warehouses or SOHOs. Deeper considerations have to be taken, for example, 1. the weight/amount of equipment that the user have to carry while on the ladder(different duty ratings) 2. the environment the ladder is used in Industrial ladders tend have higher working heights to allow users to be able to reach the higher ceilings in industrial warehouses and buildings. 

Fiberglass Ladders 

Fiberglass ladders, as the name suggests, is made of fiberglass. Such ladders are particularly popular with buyers who require using a ladder in an environment that contains a lot of wiring and high voltage/current. This is due to the nature of fiberglass, which doesn’t conduct electricity. Hence, such ladders are suitable for use in industries like electrical works as it acts as an insulator.

Domestic Ladders 

Domestic ladders are mainly used inside the house for simple household maintenance and repair work. Such ladders usually come in shorter working heights since they are mostly used at homes. Ease of usage is an important feature in such ladders since in usual cases, family members are the ones that uses them to carry out maintenance in the house.

Photo credit:
Domestic ladder -  http://www.wilko.com/steps+ladders/abru-domestic-step-ladder-aluminium-6-tread/invt/2788440
Fiberglass ladder - http://www.badgerladder.com/c.194/ladders-fiberglass-step-ladders.aspx
Industrial ladder - www.builderonline.com