Posts Tagged ‘buy a ladder’

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What to Look out for when Buying a Ladder

Thursday, 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

Thursday, 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

Thursday, 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

Thursday, 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

Thursday, 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

Friday, 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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Common Ladder FAQs

Thursday, 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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The Domestic Ladder – Using Ladders around the Home

Friday, 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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Home Help Hints – Buying a Step-Ladder

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Perhaps the most useful tool for any householder, tradesman and even gardener is the step-ladder. No other ladder or tool is as versatile or used for so many different types of jobs as a step of steps. The tasks that step ladders are used for every day is almost endless.

From changing bulbs and painting the ceiling to tiling and pruning the trees – a good set of ladders should be in everyone’s garage, under the stairs, or back of the van.

But how do you find a decent step ladder and what makes a good set of steps?

Aluminium step ladders

When it comes to buying stepladders, normally there is no alternative material to aluminium. It is light, strong, durable and cheap to manufacture. There is only one downside to aluminium, however; it’s a conductor. Electricians often have to buy fibre glass or wooden alternatives as standing on aluminium can be hazardous whilst working with electricity.

However, in most circumstance aluminium stepladders are by far the most useful but there are a whole range of sizes and types to choose from so selecting the correct set of aluminium step-ladders can be tricky.

Choosing Step-ladders

The most important factor when it comes to selecting stepladders is the size. For home use, when they will be resting under the stairs for most of their life, you don’t want a set of step ladders that are too large. The best way to judge the size of stepladder is to count the treads or rungs.

For normal household use there will be no need to buy anything over five treads. And, if you live in a flat or apartment you may find just a small two tread step ladder sufficient for most jobs around the home – this will be easier to store too.

Small ladders for a flat or apartment

For tradesmen, a good seven or eight tread step ladder would be a better size. This will be flexible enough to allow you to work indoors whilst also useful for exterior work. However, remember the number of treads will result in a heavier and taller ladder so ensure you have the right sized van for it. Also, if you plan to carry heavy equipment and tools up the step-ladder you need to consider the load the ladder will hold.

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Ladder Inspection – How to Assess Safety

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Ladders are responsible for hundreds of injuries each year. Most of them would have been preventable if proper guidance and usage was followed and many others could also have been prevented if the ladders were inspected before they were used.

Faulty, damaged or bent ladders are responsible for a large proportion of the accidents that occur when working at height. And ensuring that equipment is checked before use is not only sensible it is now part of European guidance and proper risk assessment procedures.

Choosing the Right Ladder

The first consideration when inspecting any piece of equipment is to ask yourself if it is the right tool for the job. Often the wrong ladder is one of the reasons for accident and injury and it is important to use the correct one when you have to work at height.

Here are some of the different types of ladder:

  • Leaning ladders – used against a wall of other vertical surface. Often extendible, these extension ladders are commonly used outdoors and can extend to several times their original length.
  • Step-ladders – more commonly used indoors these are often used for working on ceilings. The step can provide a good platform for tools and for working on.
  • Roof ladder – Suspended from roofs these ladders are for working down to a height rather than up.

Ladders are safe if used correctly

Inspection

The next thing to assess is the structural integrity of the ladder. Ensure there are no bends, buckling or misshapen rungs. Then check for any cracks or splinters in the metal. Pay particular attention to where the rungs are attached to the uprights. Check the rungs are all secure and don;t move.

Next check the base of the ladder. If there are rubber feet, ensure they are not worn and they are flat. Often when a ladder has been used in an uneven surface the feet can wear on one side causing it to be unstable so it is time to replace it.

Faults

If any damage or faults are found on the ladder it is important that you ensure that the ladder is not used. Not only by yourself but also by anyone else. It should be clearly signed and taped and the damage should be reported as soon as possible and under any circumstances – Never use a damaged ladder.

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