What to Look out for when Buying a Ladder

September 2nd, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Buying a ladder is not as easy as it first appears. There are a wide variety of types and sizes of ladders and ensuring you get the correct one is not only important for getting the job done but is also essential in ensuring you work safely.

When looking to buy a ladder, there are several factors you should consider:

  • Location
  • Height you are working at
  • Type of job you will be doing
  • How you will store and transport the ladder

Location

Where the ladder will be used is important in determining the type of ladder you will need. If it is indoors then you need to be looking at platforms, step-ladders and combination ladders as long ladders such as extensions can’t be used; however, for external use  extension ladders are often more common.

Surveryors ladder will fold up into the back of a car

Height

For scaling high locations often there is no alternative other than an extension ladder. Roof ladders are useful for working on rooftops but often an extension is the most convenient method.

For lower heights step-ladders and combinations are often the best solution – they are stabler and provide a place to put tools on.

Job

The type of task you will be doing is also important in ascertaining the type of ladder required. If you are working with or near electricity a wooden ladder may often be safer than a conductive aluminium one. The type of equipment and tools needed will also help establish whether to use a platform or step-ladder that provide a place for tools and equipment while ladder accessories such as tool trays can be fitted to other types.

Storing and transportation

Another important aspect to consider is how you will transport and store the ladder. Extension ladders will need more space to store and if you only have a car they will be difficult to transport without a roof rack. Surveyors ladders can fold up and fit in a car while step-ladders are easy to sow too.

Some combination ladders fold down but are capable of doing many of the jobs both steps and extensions can do.

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Combination Ladders – When only one ladder will do

August 26th, 2010

Richard N Williams

Ladders are like other tools in that they have specific uses for specific tasks. Just as you wouldn’t take a flat head screwdriver to a cross-headed screw – using a step ladder for a job that an extension ladder should be used for, is not only impractical but can be dangerous too!

Ask any tradesman and they’ll tell you the right tool should always be used for the right job – and the same applies to ladders; however, unlike other tools that can fit snugly into a toolbox or tool belt – ladders are large and cumbersome.

Often, it can be difficult to transport more than one type of ladder so tradesman have to often make a compromise or plan well-ahead; although, there can be times that however hard you have planned for a job, you cannot always foresee the tasks ahead and often you can be left with the wrong ladder.

Combination Ladders

While there is no such thing as a single ladder that can do all jobs, combination ladders combine some of the fundamental facets of other ladders making them an extremely flexible solution for when you are unsure of the type of ladder that may be required.

Some combination ladders can act as a leaning ladder enabling you to do tasks such as guttering our exterior wall work. Step-ladders so you can work indoors and even platforms, idea for ceiling work.

Difficult Areas

And combination ladders don’t stop there. Some combination ladders can be used in extremely difficult locations where other ladders simply couldn’t be used. Combination ladders can even be placed on stairs as their folding ability enables the ladder to be safely sited on separate steps – still providing a stable and safe ladder to climb.

Combination ladder

Combination ladders come in all sorts of guises and while there is no such thing as a single ladder for all tasks a combination is akin to a Swiss army knife of ladders – with multiple positions and uses they are ideal for the busy tradesperson who often finds themselves with the wrong ladder for the job. Because of this flexibility combination ladders are used by a whole host of trades.

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Using a Step Ladder around the Home

August 19th, 2010

By Richard Williams

Perhaps the most common ladder used by householders is the humble stepladder. Step-ladders are incredibly versatile and are useful for a whole manner of tasks around the home – from changing light bulbs to painting the ceiling.

Step ladders have the advantage of being a lot more stable than leaning ladders and also have a platform for resting tools on. They can also fold away which means many householders have a set of stepladders under the stairs or in the garage – but how many people actually know how to use them properly?

Each year, hundreds of home owners are injured by falling from step-ladders; most often because they have failed to use a set of steps correctly.
No matter what type of job you are using a set of step ladder for, you need to follow three simple steps:

  • Always ensure the stepladders are properly erected and are on a flat surface. Never use a set of step-ladders as a leaning ladder – they are not designed for use this way
  • Never carry heavy items up a step ladder. Use the platform to rest tools on before you climb. If need be hoist tools and equipment up.
  • Never reach out from the confines of the ladder, it can be really easy to fall off or cause the steps to topple over.

Step ladders are useful around the home

Some different tasks using stepladders

Changing light bulbs – perhaps the most common task people get a set of step ladders out for. When changing a lightbulb don’t place the step ladders directly underneath the bulb. Think of where you will be standing when you ascend and work out the distance that will be comfortable.

Pull out the legs of the step ladder completely then ascend the ladder. If need be use the platform at the top to sit on – don’t over reach.

Painting ceilings – Another common task that a set of steps is ideal for. The most important thing to remember is to not over extend beyond the confines of the ladder. If you can’t reach get down and re-site the ladder. You will need to do this several times when painting the average ceiling.
Also use the platform at the top to rest the paint, brushes and rollers. Don’t try and work with heavy equipment in your hands.

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How to Clear the Gutter – Safe use of the Extension Ladder

August 12th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Clearing the gutter can be tremendous chore. It can be messy, difficult and dangerous but in the autumn it is essential to prevent water damage to the roof and walls.

Often people get in contractors to clear their gutters but this expensive and while many people would look to do it themselves they are often put off and quite often the reason for this is the extension ladder.

Extension ladders and other leaning ladders are a necessity for clearing gutters. Whilst a pressure washer can be used for windows and other at height jobs, because of the shape of guttering you have to get up there to clean it – and this means using a ladder.

Ladder Safety

While it is true, any accident do occur each year whilst using extension ladders and leaning ladders, many of them can be avoided and are the result of bad practice rather than the ladder itself.

There are five steps to using an extension ladder safely:

Inspection – Ensure the ladder is not in anyway faulty. Check fro cracks, dents and buckling; if it is go and get a replacement and buy an extension ladder Then inspect the ground make sure it is not loose and is on an even surface.

  • Erect the ladder and ensure the angle is not too steep or not too shallow – about 75 degrees above horizontal to be safest. Make sure you don’t over extend if you are using and extension – and never climb right to the top, leave several rungs above.
  • Get somebody to foot the ladder – this will keep the ladder sturdy as you climb
  • Climb the extension ladder – gently and carefully, keep in three points of contact on the ladder at all times and never carry tools or other equipment in your hands.
  • Keep within the confines of the ladder when working – never lean out if you can’t reach get down and re-site the ladder. To clear a gutter you will most likely have to do this several times.

Clearing the gutter isn't diffuclt

Clearing the Gutter

Whilst a pressure washer will be the speediest method of clearing the gutter, it won’t be the cleanest and you’ll have to get down and clear up the debris that has been blown out. Also, be careful, pressure washers can blow you off a ladder if you are not prepared.

If you can’t afford a pressure washer simply scoop the debris out with your hands and place it in a bag. Be careful of the person footing the ladder, especially if there are stones or other heavy debris in there.

Re-site the ladder as required and make sure you take regular breaks. Never work up a ladder for more than half an hour.



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Ladders and Trade – Uses and requirements

August 5th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

There are a vast number of trades and professions that require the use of ladders. Quite possibly, the humble ladder is perhaps the most widely used tool in the world. From builders to electricians; window cleaners to roofers, millions of people require these handy pieces of equipment to work at height.

But as there a wide variety of professions that require ladders, there a wide selection of different types of ladder – used by differing trades. Here is a list of some of the different types of ladder and the types of trade that rely on them.

Stepladders

One of the most commonly used type of ladder. A set of steps has numerous applications and just as many trades that rely on them. Primarily, stepladders are used in indoor locations and nearly every domestic tradesman will carry a set. Painter and decorators, electricians, plumbers, insulators…the list is perhaps endless.

Extension Ladders

Another very common ladder and used primarily outdoors. Extension ladders are designed to lean, and as they suggest can extend to many times their original length.

People who need to work at high levels use extensions such as window cleaners, satellite TV engineers, signwriters and exterior house painters are obvious examples but most major trades like builders will also need an extension ladder on  the roof of their van.

Combination Ladders

These ladders have the ability to combine the different facets of platforms, stepladders and extensions. Useful for difficult areas such as on staircases or where there is not enough room for a conventional ladder, combinations are used widely by interior tradespeople.

Often, some builders, decorators and other professions opt for a good combination ladder as it means they can get away with not needing extensions or stepladders as the combination can do all the jobs they require.

Surveyors ladder
As there name suggests, surveyors commonly use these types of ladders but while they lend there name to surveyor’s ladders, other professions use them too.

Surveryors ladder will fold up into the back of a car

The advantage of a surveyor’s ladder is that they fold up and can fit in the boot of a car. For this reason people that have occasional use for a ladder, such as press photographers will often carry a surveyor’s ladder in the boot of their car.

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Using Extension Ladders – Five Steps to Safety

July 30th, 2010

By Richard WIlliams

Using extension ladders can be a daunting task for somebody who has never used them before. Not only can extension ladders extend to a very high level. Accidents are not uncommon so apprehension is understandable.

Extension ladders, are so called because of the way they extend to several times their original height. They normally consist of two, or three different ladders that are attached together on a sliding mechanism. Once extended they lock together and allow climbing. But are they safe?

Extension ladders are perfectly safe, if used correctly, and there is no need to be apprehensive in using them – even for the first time as long as you follow the correct ‛steps’.

Step 1

Inspect the ladder and site. Ensure the ladder is not damaged in anyway, if it is – don’t use it. If the ladder is sound, then inspect the area it will be erected. Ensure it is flat, level and not a loose surface.

Step 2

Extend the ladder against the wall. Ensure the angle is not too steep or not too shallow. The correct angle for an extension ladder is about 75 degrees above horizontal. This means that the base should be set out one quarter of the ladder’s height to its top support point.

Step 3

Ensure the ladder is secure at the base. If necessary get somebody to foot the ladder. The purpose of footing a ladder – placing a foot on the bottom step and two hands on either side of the ladder to keep it stable – is not to stop it slipping (and the person footing it should not try) but to keep it stable, especially when climbing. Ladder stabilisers are available that help prevent rocking but a human being is better.

Keep three points of contact when climbin extension ladders

Step 4

When climbing the ladder keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times and don;t carry tools or other equipment in your hands. Keep limbs inside the ladder as you climb and climb gently; too aggressive and the ladder will start rocking.

Step 5

When working on a ladder never lean out. You should ensure there is several rungs above your feet and try to avoid removing both hands from the ladder. Secure tools too as if they fall they can hurt somebody below. When climbing down follow step 3. Never attempt to climb or descend a ladder facing outwards.

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Using Ladders in Tricky Situations

July 22nd, 2010

By Richard N Williams

You don’t need me to tell you that ladders can be dangerous. Each year there are numerous accidents – mainly because safety advice has been ignored or the ladder has been used incorrectly.

However, every now and again there are jobs where using a ladder can be really tricky. Uneven surfaces, confined spaces or other hazards can often make deciding if using a ladder will be safe or not.

However, just because an area is difficult to work in, doesn’t mean a ladder can’t be used, safely and properly if a proper assessment is used and the right ladder is selected for the job.

Uneven Surfaces

There are times when the surfaces that you are working on are uneven. Painting a stairway ceiling is a good example and obviously placing a standard extension ladder or step-ladder on the stairs would more than likely lead to an accident.

However, some combination ladders are ideal for this task. Combing the advantages of both platform and ladder they can be safely positioned on a stairway allowing safe and stable working.

Combination Ladder on Stairs

Confined Spaces

Sometimes, due to topography it can be impossible to get a leaning ladder erected at the correct angle for safety. Obviously a platform or set of steps could be used but if the work it at an elevated height these wouldn’t be high enough.

In these situations you should consider looking at the problem from the other way. Instead of climbing up to work – what about climbing down. Roof ladders hang down so can get around the problem of confined spaces and are far more stable to work on than being hoisted down on ropes.

Using Wooden Ladders

Generally, aluminium ladders are best at most tasks. They are light and strong and can extend far higher than a wooden ladder. However, if you are working with electrics you really should stick to wood as it will not act as a conductor.

No matter how careful you are around a live wire, if the aluminium touches it, it can lead to electrocution and most probably a fall too. A wooden ladder will be far safer and allow you to concentrate better not having to worry about the ladder from touching a cable.

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Common Ladder FAQs

July 15th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Ladders have a bad reputation. Many people think of them as dangerous and while they accidents do occur it is very rarely the fault of the ladder itself.

There are many misconceptions about using ladders and most accidents that occur are the result of not using them properly, using the wrong type of ladder, or using a damaged one.

Here are some common questions people often ask about ladders:

Are ladders dangerous

No. While ladder accidents do occur if you follow the correct procedures then they are as safe to use as any other tool or piece of equipment.

How Many Types of Ladder are There

The number of ladders available are too numerous to name but they are all based on four basic types or design:

Stepladders – An A-frame ladder that is self standing

Leaning ladder – often extension ladders are designed for climbing up walls

Roof ladder – Designed to climb down. The ladder is attached to a roof or aperture above and the user descends to work rather than ascends.

Platforms – Not really a ladder but some combination ladders no implement platforms of some description.

Always use the right ladder for the job

Can Any Ladder be Used for a Jobs

No! Ladders are specific in how they are used. A leaning ladder is used to work against a surface, while steps and platforms are self standing. Many accidents occur because the wrong type is used for the job.

Are Ladders Difficult to Use

Not necessarily. Little training is required as long as the basic safety precautions are taken. Leaning ladders should be secured at an appropriate angle on a flat smooth surface; no ladder should be scaled whilst carrying tools or equipment.

Can I Use a Damaged ladder

No! Any ladder that is buckled, bent, cracked or damaged in another way should never be used. Damaged ladders can result in injury or even death. If you find damage on a ladder be sure to tell anybody else who may use it – better still place a sign on it so you can be sure nobody else will attempt to use it.

Can You Walk Under a ladder

Only if there is nobody up it. It may be a superstition but if you walk under a ladder and somebody is working up there you could be seriously injured if they drop something. Always steer clear of them if you can and give the workman as much space as you can. Also never touch a ladder or knock it anyway when somebody is up there – it can be highly dangerous.

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Specialist Ladders – Used in Home and Trade

July 9th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

We are all familiar with ladders. We may have several at home; a set of steps for indoor use and a long extension ladders in the garage. Tradesmen too are all too familiar with them – often seen with ladder strung on top of their vans.

And while these common tools are used for a myriad of tasks; from painting and decorating, to tree surgery and window cleaning, there are some specialist ladders used for specific purposes and tasks.

Combination ladders

These are ladders that can combine different aspects of different ladders and can be used in a multiple of ways. For instance, some can convert from a straight ladder, ideal for working at height outdoors against a wall; to a set of steps, folding at the middle so it can be used for indoor ceiling work.

Some other combinations have platforms on them and can be mounted at various different heights. These can be used for working on stairs, or around obstacles. Some combination ladders can even change into a myriad of different shapes, sizes and lengths – making them the Swiss Army Knife of ladder design.

Swiss Army Knife of ladders?

Collapsible ladders

Often referred to as: surveyors ladders, these are designed to fold away into the smallest size possible. Designed to fit in the rear of cars, they get their name as they are commonly used by surveyors, architects, photographers; and other professionals – who have no other need to use a van.

Surveyors’ ladders, or combinations, are also manufactured to be light weight and can even be carried in a bag and have been known to have even been transported on trains.

Roof ladders

These are other specialist ladders that differ to the conventional. Roof ladders are unique in that they work in the opposite way to a convention type of ladder. Instead of being designed to climb up to a heigh, roof ladders are designed to climb down to it.

They work by hooking onto the rooftop, or other area. They can be secured with clamps, or ties but often; on a sloping roof in particular, that is not required and they are safe to climb down.

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The Domestic Ladder – Using Ladders around the Home

July 2nd, 2010

By Richard N Williams

There are many jobs around the home that require the use of a ladder. From cleaning the guttering to changing a fuse, they are employed for a whole host of household tasks.

However, few people ever receive professional tutoring on the use of them and the result is that they either use the wrong one for the job, use it the wrong way, or fail to notice a problem with the ladder.

It is no surprise then that around the home, ladder accidents are all too common. However, you don’t need to attend a college course or receive training of you want to change a light bulb or use a ladder for another household task. Ladder use just requires a little thought and common sense. Here are some steps you should take, before you step on a ladder:

Type

Don’t use the wrong type for the job in hand. If you are cleaning the guttering then a step-ladder will not be high enough, whilst an extension ladder would be impractical indoors. Assess what it is that you want to do and how high you will be working. Sometimes there can even be a different solution than using a ladder – such as using a work platform.

Condition

Don’t use a bent, buckled, cracked or damaged ladder it is just not worth it. Spend some time checking it over and if you do find fault, don’t use it, go and buy a ladder from a reputable supplier.

Placement

When erecting the ladder ensure that it is on even and solid ground. Never put a ladder on snow, ice, or a loose surface like gravel.

Angle is important

The Angle

Extension ladders should be at the right angle; too steep and they can topple, and too shallow and they can slip. Also, get somebody to foot it for you, this will reduce the risk of slipping further. It is also advisable not to climb at height alone. If there is an accident it is important there is somebody around who can assist or call for help.

Climbing and working

Don’t reach out from the ladder and do not attempt to carry tools or equipment in your hands as you climb. You should always have both hands on to the ladder when you climb, if need be hoist equipment and tools up afterwards.

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