Use Ladders Safely

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that eachyear more than 511,000 people are treated for cuts, bruisesand fractured bones from improper use of ladders. Morethan 300 people a year die from ladder related injuries.When choosing a ladder be certain the ladder is able tocarry the amount of weight that will be applied.

Inspect the ladder. Be sure the spreaders can be lockedwhen open and that there are safety feet on the ends.

Check for loose or bent rungs.

The ladder should be clean of grease, oil, mud, snow andother slippery materials.

Carry a single or extension ladder parallel to the ground.Hold the side rail in the middle of the ladder for balance.Always carry a stepladder in the closed position.

The ground under the ladder should be level and firm. Do notset the ladder up on a muddy surface.

Set the base of your ladder one foot away from the wall forevery four feet of ladder height.

Do not use bricks, boxes, etc. to raise the height of theladder.

Keep all ladders and other tools at least ten feet from anypower lines.

Keep ladder off of window panes or sashes.

If using the ladder in an orchard, turn the ladder sideways,and ease into the tree. Place a straight ladder so that if alimb breaks, it will fall into the tree.

Never lean a ladder against a movable object.

Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.

Face the ladder when you climb up or down. Hold on to theside rails with both hands. Carry only necessary tools on abelt, use a rope to raise heavier equipment.

Never overreach. Always keep your body centered between therails.

Wear shoes with nonskid soles. Don't wear leather-soledshoes; they can be slippery. Shoelaces should be securelytied. Make sure shoes and hands are clean and dry.

Don't try to "jog" or "walk" the ladder to a new locationwhile standing on it. Climb down and reposition the ladder.

Never use a ladder in high wind.

Never use the top two rungs of a ladder.

On stepladders, never stand on the paint shelf, spreaders orback section.

Never stand on the top rung of any ladder.

And finally, never, never leave a raised ladder unattended.

For more information on ladder safety visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/health/ladder.htm

Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and theenvironment.Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.

Website: http://www.apluswriting.net