Before you mount that portable ladder learn what precautions you must take to
secure it and avoid becoming an injury statistic. Falls from portable ladders
are a common cause of workplace injuries often because the ladder is not used
properly. Follow these 10 tips to secure your ladder and be safe on the climb.
- Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load.
- Attach a ladder stay across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.
- Guard or fence off the area around a ladder erected in an area where persons have access.
- Secure the ladder firmly at the top to prevent it from slipping sideways or the foot from slipping outwards.
- Station a person at the foot of a ladder when it is not possible to tie at the top or secure it at the foot. This is effective only for ladders up to 5 m (16 ft.) long.
- Ensure that the person at the foot of the ladder faces the ladder with a hand on each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung.
- Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where the ladder is to be used at a constant height.
- Do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose.
- Secure the base of a ladder to prevent accidental movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top.
- Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise nail a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side rails.
More information:
AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety