One of the many useful tools construction workers and home owners like using are extension ladders. It is astonishing that for as many different people which use ladders, how often they misuse them. This is often bad for the people that use them as falls even from small heights from improperly used or cared for ladders generally cause more accidents around homes and job sites and are also one of the largest factors for people getting hurt. Most of these are avoidable by following some basic rules.
Whey you take your ladder outside to use it, look over it for any broken and missing parts. If you see any bent or broke side rails or other types structural damage, it needs to be destroyed so nobody can ever use it. The best method is cutting it up into small parts rendering it useless.
It should also be checked for grease, grime and other debris. If it has any of these it should be cleaned off so it is not a safety hazard. This should be done each time it is used.
Using one is generally very simple and requires only a few steps. Make sure the ladder is completely closed before picking it up and moving it to where you plan to use it. Pick a spot to set it up that is level and compacted enough that the feet will not kick out from under it.
Put the foot of the ladder tightly against the inside base of what it will be set on. Move to the top of the ladder, moving from one rung to another hand over hand, walk it up to a straight vertical position. Keeping it braced to the structure will generally help you maintain enough leverage to keep lifting it past the middle point. It is typically best to keep it around 1/4 the height of your extended ladder away from the wall.
Once in the upright vertical position, begin walking it to away from the wall to the spot you will place it. Gently allow the upper part fall down against the wall. It is often easier to accomplish while standing behind the ladder with your back against the wall. If you need it to be higher, carefully pull on the rope until the top most section is raised up to the right height.
While raising it, always keep a foot on the bottom rung to prevent it from kicking out away from the wall. Try to raise it around 3 feet above the height you plan to be working at. Make sure the rung locks are properly engaged and it is stable before you begin to climb it.
Good working extension ladders are difficult to beat for getting at hard to reach spots at work or around the house. If they are not used correctly they may cause people to get hurt. It is important to maintain and use them correctly. Always use your gut instincts so the only thing finished is what you are doing.
Whey you take your ladder outside to use it, look over it for any broken and missing parts. If you see any bent or broke side rails or other types structural damage, it needs to be destroyed so nobody can ever use it. The best method is cutting it up into small parts rendering it useless.
It should also be checked for grease, grime and other debris. If it has any of these it should be cleaned off so it is not a safety hazard. This should be done each time it is used.
Using one is generally very simple and requires only a few steps. Make sure the ladder is completely closed before picking it up and moving it to where you plan to use it. Pick a spot to set it up that is level and compacted enough that the feet will not kick out from under it.
Put the foot of the ladder tightly against the inside base of what it will be set on. Move to the top of the ladder, moving from one rung to another hand over hand, walk it up to a straight vertical position. Keeping it braced to the structure will generally help you maintain enough leverage to keep lifting it past the middle point. It is typically best to keep it around 1/4 the height of your extended ladder away from the wall.
Once in the upright vertical position, begin walking it to away from the wall to the spot you will place it. Gently allow the upper part fall down against the wall. It is often easier to accomplish while standing behind the ladder with your back against the wall. If you need it to be higher, carefully pull on the rope until the top most section is raised up to the right height.
While raising it, always keep a foot on the bottom rung to prevent it from kicking out away from the wall. Try to raise it around 3 feet above the height you plan to be working at. Make sure the rung locks are properly engaged and it is stable before you begin to climb it.
Good working extension ladders are difficult to beat for getting at hard to reach spots at work or around the house. If they are not used correctly they may cause people to get hurt. It is important to maintain and use them correctly. Always use your gut instincts so the only thing finished is what you are doing.
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