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!