Stay Safe – Use the Right Ladder
This guest post is a basic introduction to the idea of how to stay safe by correctly sourcing the right ladder for the job. Browns Ladders of Lancashire is a family-owned business that has been selling ladders and access equipment for 50 years. The company also runs Health and Safety courses, so they have plenty more information to share.
Using a ladder is something people take for granted, but what they don’t understand is that ladders can be just as dangerous as power tools.
The wrong type and quality could result in major injury or even prove fatal during simple chores like painting, watering hanging baskets or cleaning your windows.
Best people to ask about ladders
Shopping at big warehouses such as B&Q could be the first mistake, even if it’s just a little step ladder.
Warehouses are not specialised and do not fully understand the risks they when recommending the wrong ladders to their customers.
It is highly recommended that you visit an independent specialist retailer who is fully aware of all aspects of access equipment and understands the risks involved.
What makes a good ladder?
A ladder is like any tool, you need to select the right one for the job in hand.
Ladders can be purchased cheaply, but is that the price you can put on life?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reported that, in 2011, 17% of work-related injuries were caused by falls from height. A cheap low quality product could break during use, or become unstable.
If you know the job you need the ladder for, then you can be best advised about which one to choose. For example, using a ladder near electricity? How about choosing a rated fiberglass ladder, instead of a regular, aluminium one?
The best ladder for working at gutter height
Cleaning guttering can be a daunting task, yet needs to be done every once in a while.
A multipurpose ladder is an ideal tool for this, because they offer stability and can be extended. They also don’t need to rest on the gutters themselves, which can cause serious damage to them.
Extensions ladders are better for taller buildings, and the relative instability of leaning it against a wall can be fixed by using ladder stabilisers and hooks.
Follow the link below to see the full checklist of safety characteristics when selecting a ladder for a particular job.
A selection of videos on ladder safety from USA Compliance and Safety
Any further questions about ladders or access equipment, feel free to ask on the Traditional Painter forum
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3 comments to “Stay Safe – Use the Right Ladder”
thanks for the info, hope there is more to come, the unusual side of ladders and access equipment, perhaps 🙂
Can you advise me. I am painting a corner unit unsure of wood type.it is already painted. I am going to sand down,Wasn,t going to prime. Then paint in farrow and ball emulsion and finish with wax. Is there any other way of sealing the paint other than wax to give a tough but not shiny finish. I want an elegant country slightly aged look
Polyvine dead flat matt varnish will do the job