Archive for the ‘using ladders’ Category

Using Ladders in Tricky Situations

Thursday, 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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Using Extension Ladders Safely

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

By Richard Williams

The extension ladder is one of the most commonly used tools by technicians and tradesman. Because of its popularity it is also, unfortunately responsible for many of the work related accidents that occur each year. But extension ladders are not dangerous if used correctly and many of the incidents that occur each year in their use can be prevented.

Why use an extension ladder

Extension ladders are an incredibly useful, practical and efficient tool. There is no better and more efficient way at working at height than with an extension. Extendible to many times there original length, you can erect, scale and work at height in minutes with an extension ladder. The alternatives, such as using scaffold towers and cherry picker cranes are either too expensive, time consuming to erect – or both.

Extension ladders don't have to be dangerous

When to use an Extension Ladder

Not every job that requires working at height needs an extension ladder. Often, when working at low height a step-ladder will suffice. Roof ladders can often be used to work down to a height too, so assess what type of ladder the job in hand requires.

How to use and Extension Ladder

There are five steps to using an extension ladders safely:

  • Inspect – the ladder should be inspected all over for bends, cracks, buckling or any other faults. Pay particular attention to the feet and rungs. The area you are working on should also be inspected. Make sure it is flat and even. It should also be free from loose gravel stones or dirt. Make sure there is room to work in too.
  • Erect – extend the ladder as required. Don’t over extend there should be a block to ensure you don’t extend to high. If there is not, ensure you leave several rungs for safety. When erecting against the wall ensure you have a good angle. Too steep and the ladder could topple; too shallow it could slip.
  • Footing – Get someone to foot the ladder if possible. Ensure the feet of placed level and the ladder is not liable to slip or topple.
  • Climbing – keep three points of contact as you climb up. Tools should be in belt or hauled up afterwards, never climb with your hands full.
  • Working – Make sure you don’t work too high. Make sure there are three rungs a head of you for and holds. Don’t reach out and secure tools if necessary. Work calmly, don’t make any sudden or violent movements which could cause the ladder to sway.

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Don’t Blame the Ladder – Ladder accidents are often not the ladder’s fault

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Ladder accidents are a frequent occurrence. Every year thousands of people are injured using ladders at home or in the workplace. Ladder accidents are now so common many trades and industries are forgoing them and turning to other methods of working at height – despite these methods being more time consuming, expensive and less practical.

However, there are several reasons for this high number of accidents involving ladders, but the ladder itself is not to blame and ther is no reason why you shouldn’t buy a ladder for working at height.

Ladders are safe is used correctly

Firstly, there are a high number of accidents involving ladders, not because they are a dangerous item, but because working at height is dangerous full stop. Regardless of how you get up there, if you have a fall from height there is more risk of injury or death.

Secondly, ladders, despite their safety record are an incredibly common tool still used all over the place. They are by far the simplest, easiest and most convenient method of working at height which is whey there are nearly as many ladders on the planet as there are people. Because ladders and ladder use is so common it stands to reason that there are a high number of accidents involved with using ladders.

Thirdly, when a tool or piece of equipment is used incorrectly, you can hardly blame it for any mishap in its use. And this is as it is with ladders. Improper use, or the use of the wrong type of ladder will often lead to accidents.

Take this example from a newspaper a few weeks ago where a handyman fell from a tree after he sawed off a branch that he had leaned his ladder against . He had rested the tree on the branch, climbed up then proceeded to saw through it. Once the the branch was sawn through, it, along with the handyman, ladder and saw – all plummeted to the ground.

Thankfully the man wasn’t injured but it is a good demonstration of how ladder accidents often occur through lack of thought or pre-planning. When using a ladder its important to asses what type of ladder you will need, where it will be placed and to identify any potential hazards. If used correctly,  good quality ladders are no more or no less dangerous than any other tool

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Choosing the Right Tool for the Job – Which Ladder?

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Any tradesman or builder will tell you about the importance of using the correct tool for the job. Mistakes, accidents; even injury and death can occur if tools are used in the wrong manner and when working at height, the dangers are exemplified.

Ensuring your are working safely is vital if you are working at height so making sure you have the right ladder fro the job is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure you can carry out the task required.

There are several different types of ladder but all ladders are not the same and ensuring you have selected the right one can sometimes be difficult but here is a few tips to ensure that you are using the right tool when working at height.

Step Ladders

Perhaps the most commonly used ladder; the uses for step ladders are almost endless. Ideal for working on ceilings and inside, step ladders are one of the safest methods of working at height.

Step Ladders are easiliy stowed away

The step on the step ladder is ideal for holding equipment too, preventing the need from climbing the ladder with armfuls of tools and accessories. They are also easy to store as they can be folded and transported around very easily.

Extension/extendible ladder

Used primarily outdoors, extension ladders are leaning ladders which means they need a surface to rest on. These ladders are used when working at heights greater than those used by a step ladder. Extension ladders can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly. They don’t have step, or anywhere to hold equipment so care has to be taken when climbing the ladder. They can also extend to twice their original size so care should be taken that you don;t lean from the ladder which could cause it to topple or slide.

Extension ladders also have treads to ensure a good footing on the ground but they should only ever be used on even surfaces.

Work Platforms and other ladder types

Sometimes a more permanent solution is required than a ladder. Work platforms are a cross between a step ladder and scaffolding. Work platforms allows you to use a large space to work and they are often guarded by handrails to prevent any accidental falling off.

Other ladders such as combination ladders combine the best aspects of extension and step ladders and are ideal as a one type fits all solution, especially if money is tight and you can only afford one ladder.

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Ladder Hysteria and Using Ladders Safely

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Over the last few years there has been a hysteria developing around ladders. No more are they seen as the functional tool that mankind has been using for thousands of years – now it seems they are an occupational danger that it seems should be best avoided.

Organisations now send employees on ladder safety courses and window cleaners are using expensive and wasteful pressure washers because of irrational fear (of insurance companies) of injury with ladders.

And while its true, ladders do account for a number of serious injuries and even death each year – ladders, when used correctly, are a safe, useful and convenient tool for working at height.

And ladder safety is not a complicated subject either, using ladders resolves around common sense but let us just run through the basics.

The type of ladder required for the task in hand is key in preventing accident. Step-ladders are best for low heights, ceilings and indoor work, while extension ladders are for high areas and are used by resting against walls; whilst work platforms are more stable than conventional ladders resembling small scaffold towers but with the convenience of castors.

Once the right ladder or platform is selected it should be checked over just to ensure it is not buckled, bent or cracked. A damaged ladder is just asking for trouble and its your neck so look over it carefully.

Extension ladders are safe if used correctly

Extension ladders are safe if used correctly

Next, you should ensure you use the ladder correctly. Extension ladders, because of the height they can go, are quite often the most dangerous ladders to use. Ensure they are at correct and stable angle, get somebody to foot it for you and if the height you are working at is high enough that it could cause serious injury or death if you fell, ensure somebody is on site in case of trouble.

Also, never carry tools in your hands when climbing ladders. Step ladders are useful for resting tools on but if you are climbing an extension ladder secure tools to a belt or winch them up once you reach the top.

Whilst using ladders can result in serious injury that doesn’t mean that ladders are at all dangerous and should be feared. If you follow basic ladder safety, risk of injury should all but be eliminated.

For those wishing for more advice on ladder safety visit the British Association of Ladder Safety Equipment Manufacturers (BALSEM).

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Tips for Using Ladders and Working at Height

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

By Richard Williams

Working at height is responsible for hundreds of work related accidents each year and falls from heights result in hundreds of serious injuries and even death and yet many of these height and ladder related accidents can be prevented.

When working at height the most important thing to do before carrying out any work is to perform a risk assessment. This does not necessarily mean excessive paper work but it is a good idea to make a note of a few of the potential risks you may face. When working with heights these can be obvious such as falls and injury but it also good no note how are you are and the likelihood of serious or life threatening injury:

* Its important when ever working at a height that can lead to serious injury or death in a fall that you never work alone and have at least one person on site in case of accidents.

When you have identified the risks its important to analyse the job in hand as the type of task can often reflect in the equipment needed, including the type of ladders to use.

When working inside a building the best ladders to use are step-ladders or combination ladders. These are ideal for most jobs inside and as the can both be folded away and they have a platform for resting tools on which will prevent the need for climbing the ladder whilst carrying equipment.

Work platforms are also useful when working on ceilings and though they are more cumbersome some folding work platforms are available.

Work Platform

Work Platform

Extendable or extension ladders are good for working outdoors and are rested against a wall. These ladders are however, the most dangerous type of ladder as they can slip and topple and as they can extend they are also very high. When using an extendable ladder its vital that you rest it the correct angle on a non-slip floor. Getting someone to foot it for you is also a good idea.

Often when working at the top of walls or on roofs its better to use a roof ladder. These ladders extend down and can also allow you to rest against a roof without fear of falling through.

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