Whether you are using a ladder for a job around the house or as a tradie on a construction site, it is always important to make sure you are aware of the proper safety procedures for using a ladder and that they are always followed! Today we will discuss the proper safety procedures to follow when using a ladder.
Holding a ladder for someone
While it is not a legal requirement to have someone on the ground holding your ladder for you when in use (this is usually someone that people do for people using an extension ladder) is it a legal requirement to have some preemptive method to help prevent your ladder from slipping such as a ladder mat or if you have an extension ladder that follows the new EN131 standards it must have a stabilizer bar if the extension ladder is over 3 meters.
What measures should you go through to help keep your ladder stable
- A nearby anchor point should be used to secure the ladder. This can be accomplished with ladder hooks or rope.
- Place ladder mats beneath the ladder’s feet to improve traction between the ladder and the ground.
- Use a ladder stability device that is designed to keep the ladder in place.
Even though we do not recommend having someone hold your extension ladder as the only stabilizing measure, we do recommend having someone on standby to keep an eye on things in case something goes wrong so that you can get help as soon as possible!
What to do if you cannot stabilize your ladder
Do not use your ladder if you are unable to keep it completely stable and not use it at all! Even if you can have someone foot the ladder for you. Having someone hold the ladder for you should only be done for peace of mind and to make sure you have someone close by watching you just in case. It is not worth risking your life and your body if you cannot keep your ladder stable. Consider trying again on a different day if the weather is the issue or using a different type of working at heights equipment to complete the task.
Carrying a ladder
No matter the job type you need to be able to carry any type of ladder in the way. Always make sure that you are carrying your ladder in its smallest form. For a step ladder that would be folded up, the extension ladder has all sections compacted into a single section etc.
We always recommend having two people carry an extension ladder and other ladders of a similar length, not only because of the weight of the ladder but also because of the length and to avoid damaging surrounding objects and people. For other smaller types of ladders, use your discretion because the weight of the ladder will come down to the manual handling guideline, which suggests that a safe maximum safe lifting weight for women is 16kg and a safe maximum safe lifting limit for men is 25kg.
Choosing a location for your ladder
Always choose a flat, dry, and stable surface. A ladder should not be used on ice, mud, snow, or any other potentially slippery surface. Look for any overhead power lines or wires that connect to your home. Leaning an extension ladder against a window is never a good idea; instead, lean it against a solid surface. It is also a good idea not to put up a ladder in front of a door, because someone might walk out and collide with it. To increase the height of your ladder, never place it on a box or other structure.
How to climb a ladder
Are you ready to start climbing the rungs of your ladder? The best way to grasp a ladder, whether moving up or down, is to maintain three points of contact. That means you must keep your other foot and both hands in contact with the ladder as you raise your foot to the next level. As you advance your hand to the next level, both feet and the other hand should make contact with the ladder.
To avoid transferring weight to one side, move slowly and keep your body near the centre of the rung. A good rule of thumb is to keep your belt buckle (or where your belt buckle would be) within the space between the two rungs to avoid overreaching.
Also, whether you are climbing up or down the ladder, make sure you are always facing the ladder and never have your back to the ladder.
