Because stepladders are quite a common tool at home or business premises, it’s usually taken for granted that workers already know how to use them properly. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous assumption.
Remember that many people fail to thoroughly inspect their ladders and most people may not even know what to look for if they had the chance. This is a huge risk that can lead to serious injuries or even death. Therefore, you need to make sure that your employees know how to use stepladders correctly. This article discusses how to use step ladders.
The height
To determine how high your stepladder can go, you need to check that sticker that states you shouldn’t stand on this step. But you can stand on or above this step only if you have good balance. Most stepladders that you can find at the Lakeside Hire have this sticker.
There is also another label on the ladder’s side rail that gives the maximum height that you can climb. This needs to match up with the sticker that says you should not stand on. In case your stepladder doesn’t have these stickers, you should avoid using it. This is because your stepladder needs to be properly labeled with the right information before you can use it.
Because of this restriction, you cannot climb your step ladder up to the top and get onto a higher level. If possible, you can opt for an extension ladder so that you can access higher levels. But if you still want to use your stepladder, then make sure that it can extend to about 3’ above the level you intend to climb to.
Ladder position
It’s not a good idea to keep your step ladder folded and leaning against a surface so that you can access your work. Step Ladders are not designed to be used this way, so you need to full open and lock into place your stepladder. You should remember that ladder loads are usually tested by the manufacturers only when they are utilized the way they are expected to be used.
When you decide not to follow the manufacturer’s requirements for the ladder, you can enhance the risk of the stepladder falling. Aside from this, your stepladder needs to be on a level and firm surface. For example, if you take a look at the stepladder and must tilt your head so that it can look straight, then you have set up your ladder improperly.
You can choose to move your stepladder to a more stable and level surface. Alternatively, you can level out the surface the stepladder is standing on, but don’t try to climb your ladder that doesn’t show its level. If there is any debris at the ladder’s base, don’t place the stepladder down on it and then hope for the best. Instead, you need to clear out the debris. Even if the debris is not directly under the ladder, you need to keep the location around the ladder’s base clear so that you are safe while working.
