Whether you have never used an extension ladder before or you have had a bad experience using this type of ladder, you must learn how to use an extension ladder properly. Fortunately, this is easy to do with our help. Our guide goes through the complete extension ladder safety you need to know.
Guide to extension ladder safety
Choose the right ladder
Before doing anything regarding extension ladder safety, you must choose a good-quality ladder. When selecting a ladder, you need to consider the following elements:
- How high do you need to be able to go?
- How much weight does the ladder need to hold?
- How much space do you have?
- Are there any electrical wires nearby?
If you already have an extension ladder, then inspect it to make sure it is still in good condition and that it is suitable for what you want to do.
Set the ladder up in the right way
Once you have found a suitable extension ladder, the next step is to ensure that you set it up in the right way. For maximum safety, you should lean the ladder at a ratio of 4:1. For every four feet of height between the base and where the ladder makes contact with what you are leaning it against, the base should be 1 foot away.
Secure the ladder
If you want to avoid accidents, you need to make sure that you secure your extension ladder before using it. If you can, tie off the ladder to suitable points of contact that provide the roof access you need. If you are not able to do this, then you may want to secure the ladder with a ladder stabiliser instead.
As a last resort, you can simply ask someone to hold the ladder in place for you, but it is much safer to use a proper piece of equipment for this.
How to stay safe on an extension ladder
As well as the above safety guide, we also have some great tips that can help you to use your extension ladder as safely as possible. These are as follows:
- Do not carry unnecessary tools and supplies up to the top of the ladder, as this can increase the risk of an accident occurring.
- Do not overreach when on an extension ladder, as this also increases your risk of falling off.
- Make sure someone is on hand to hold the ladder while you are using it. Ideally, they should hold the base of the ladder or the ladder feet firmly in place, especially if you are doing a time-consuming task like fixing a fragile roof.
- Do not rush climbing the ladder or any work you are carrying out, as this can cause accidents.
- Wear a tool belt - keep your hands free to hold onto the ladder and help you keep your balance.
- Never attempt to extend the ladder while you are standing on it.
Here at Easi-Dec, we offer a wide range of equipment for hire that can help you maintain your property safely and effectively, such as our Conservatory Roof Access Platform system, which makes cleaning and maintaining your conservatory a quick and easy job.