When you’re redecorating your home, a ladder can be a very handy thing to have on hand. If your to-do list includes putting up shelves, repainting the walls, hanging picture frames, or anything else that requires a little bit of extra height, a sturdy step ladder will make everything that much easier for you.
That said, if you are going to use a ladder at any point during the course of your renovations, it’s important to make sure you aren’t using it carelessly. Falling from height – even a relatively modest height – can result in broken bones and all sorts of other serious injuries, so safety is paramount when using a ladder or any other sort of elevated work platform.
Now, if you were using a ladder at work, it would be your employer’s responsibility to provide the proper training and make sure you know how to operate safely. But in your own home, it’s on you – nobody else is going to step in if you’re putting yourself in danger.
So before you go racing up those rungs, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with these key ladder safety tips:
- Choose the right sort of ladder. There are lots of different ladder types, and each one is suited to different situations – so make sure you’ve got the right tool for the job. For example, if you’re doing any sort of electrical work, a non-conductive fibreglass ladder is safer than an aluminium ladder.
- Never stand on a wobbly ladder. Ladders should only be used on firm, level ground. When you’re setting up your ladder, make sure the base is fully in contact with the floor, and that the ladder isn’t going to wobble or move around while you’re on it.
- Check the area for potential hazards. Before you make a start, look carefully at the spot where you’ll be working and carry out a quick risk assessment. Do you see anything that might cause an accident? For example, is there another person running around nearby, or a closed door that could knock over the ladder if it swings open? Do what you can to identify and eliminate possible risks before you get started.
- Ensure that any locking mechanisms are properly engaged. Certain ladder types – particularly step ladders, combination ladders, and adjustable height ladders – have locking mechanisms to keep the ladder static while in use. Before you set foot on your ladder, make sure any locking mechanisms are…well, locked.
- Make sure the ladder isn’t damaged. You don’t want to stand on top of a ladder that’s about to fall apart. Once you’ve set up your ladder, take a couple of minutes to check each part of the ladder for signs of damage – and if you find any such signs, don’t use it! Get a new ladder instead.
- Avoid overloading the ladder. Check your ladder’s maximum weight capacity before you start using it. Your body weight alone is unlikely to give the ladder any problems, but if you’re going to have any bulky items up there with you – like buckets of paint or heavy power tools – there is a chance that you might overload the ladder and cause it to collapse.
- Take it slow! When climbing up a ladder, don’t go too fast. The more you rush, the greater your risk of accidentally slipping and falling.
- Maintain three points of contact. For maximum stability, three parts of your body should be touching the ladder at all times. Keeping both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder is ideal, but if you’re doing something that requires both hands, you can lean your body against the ladder to create that third point of contact.
- Use a tool belt if necessary. When using a ladder, it’s a good idea to keep your hands free so that you can hold on to it. If you need to carry any tools up the ladder, a tool belt or tool lanyard can be a good way to keep all necessary items on your person without occupying your hands.
- Don’t stand on the very top of the ladder. The topmost part of a ladder is only there to serve as a handhold – it’s not safe to stand on. If you’re using a traditional leaning ladder or a swingback step ladder, avoid standing on any of the top three rungs / steps.
- Observe the ‘belt buckle’ rule. When you’re standing on a ladder, try to keep your belt buckle (or if you’re not wearing a belt, your belly button) in between the two side rails at all times. Following this rule will help you to avoid leaning too far out to one side and toppling the ladder.
- Don’t stay on the ladder too long. Ladders are a great choice for jobs that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, but if the task at hand is likely to take longer than that, you should consider using a different height access solution, like a work platform.
- Working outdoors? Wait for nice weather. If you’re planning to use a ladder outside, try to avoid doing so during wet and/or windy spells. Rain will make the ladder rungs slippery, increasing the risk of a nasty fall, while strong winds may cause the ladder to blow over.
- Come down carefully. When your work is done and you’re ready to come down off the ladder, descend and dismount with care. You’re not a video game character, so don’t be tempted to do something stupid like jumping off or sliding down the ladder – instead, take one step at a time and keep all the above safety advice in mind until both of your feet are firmly on the ground.
Follow these tips and you should find that your ladder serves you well throughout all of your DIY adventures. Caution and common sense are your best defences against danger, so be mindful of the risks that come with working at height and you’ll probably be fine. Happy home improving!
