People can use ladders for safe height access and should understand proper safety measures for injury prevention and ladder maintenance in home and work settings.
1. Inspect Before Use : Inspect thoroughly for any dents, broken steps, cracks, or loose parts to ensure safety after it has been in a garage for a long time.
2. Stable Surface : Place your ladder on a flat, stable surface, free of hazards. Avoid slippery or uneven ground.
3. Lock Step Ladders : Fully extend step ladders and ensure that spreaders are locked to prevent collapsing.
4. Choose the Right Ladder : Choose a sturdy ladder that suits the task, ensuring its height, load capacity, and design meet your specific job requirements and personal safety needs.
5. Avoid Power Lines : Avoid using a ladder near power lines, as aluminum step ladders conduct electricity, which can result in deadly consequences.
6. Always Face the Ladder : Always face the ladder when climbing, whether ascending or descending. Keep your body centered between the side rails, maintain a firm grip, and use both hands while climbing. Also, do not climb onto the ladder from the sides.
7. Keep Your Body Within the Rails : Your body should stay inside the ladder rails to prevent loss of balance and accidents.
8. Adhere to Load Capacity : Follow the ladder's maximum load limit, including your weight and tools, to prevent instability.
9. Single-Person Use Only : Ladders are for single-person use only. If multiple people climb, the risk of accidents increases.
10. Stay Safe on the Ladder : Always face the ladder when climbing. Keep both hands on the rungs.
11. Wear Proper Footwear : Choosing the right shoes is essential. Non-slip, closed-toe shoes with a substantial grip help prevent workplace fall accidents.
12. Avoid Using the Ladder in Strong Winds : Strong winds should be avoided when operating the ladder because they make it unstable and dangerous.
13. Move Carefully : Avoid jerky movements. Always move deliberately to maintain stability.
14. Clean Rungs : Ensure rungs are free from oil, grease, mud, or debris for a firm grip.
15. Proper Storage : Store ladders in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture to prevent rust and damage.
16. Do Not Lean Step Ladders : Never lean a step ladder against a wall for support.
17. Top Step Safety : Avoid standing or sitting on the top step to prevent losing balance.
18. Secure Extension Ladders : Extension ladders need to be fixed at the top rung or held steady at the base by someone.
19. Avoid Unstable Surfaces : Do not place an aluminum ladder on boxes, bricks, barrels, or any other unstable surfaces to gain extra height.
20. Use a Tool Belt : A tool belt enables tool transportation without blocking your hands for better safety when climbing a ladder.
21. Don't Climb When Tired : It is dangerous to climb a ladder when you feel exhausted or giddy because tiredness worsens your balance and concentration abilities, and you may fall off the ladder.
22. Proper Ladder Angle : For every 4 feet of extended ladder height, the base should be positioned 1 foot away from the wall.
23. Mind Your Surroundings : Always check for doors, people, or obstacles that may interfere with stability.
24. No Modifications : Never alter or weld your ladder, which can compromise its safety.
25. Proper Training : Ensure all ladder users are trained in safety procedures, including proper setup and balance.
