Extension Ladders-Tips For Safe Use
Every year thousands of accidents occur from working at heights. If you have a task that appears to require extension ladders as part of the equipment then take the time to choose them safely and wisely. The very first question is when is an extension ladder the most suitable type of access equipment?
When choosing which aluminium extension ladders are most suitable for the work, it is best to evaluate according to the guidelines laid out by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).
Assess if the job requires work at height and assuming that it does then you need to choose the best aluminium extension ladders available in order to prevent falls.
The guidelines to help you decide to use a ladder are if the job will be:
1. In one position for no more than 30 minutes. 2. That the job is light work as if it is too strenuous then a detailed manual handling assessment should be done. 3. That it is possible to maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) in the working position which should include a handhold.
Depending on the height where the work will take place it is of course possible that a step ladder or access platform could be more suitable.
Once you are on the aluminium extension ladder you should never overreach or overload it. Do not take anything up that is higher than the load stated on the ladder safety instructions.
Try to avoid work that involves side loading, and if it is not possible to avoid then you should tie the steps to a suitable point. However there may be more suitable access equipment in this case.
Ideally do not carry something, but if you need to make sure you have one hand free to grip the ladder.
When is a ladder the most suitable type of access equipment? Is it a safe location to use a ladder? Is the ladder safe to be used? Do the users of the ladders know how to use them safely?
These are vital questions to answer before using or buying them. Before buying aluminium extension ladders confirm with the manufacturers that the ladder is suitable for your worst case work scenarios.
In Great Britain when purchasing you should look for Kitemarked products, which have the BSEN1004 standard which are certified. If buying from a website check also for this criteria and see if the website appears to be health and safety conscious in general before buying extension ladders from it.
About the Author
Jackie De Burca has written and developed health and safety training videos. She is very focused on decreasing the amount of accidents which happen from working at height and for this article her advice is specific to extension ladders although it can be applied in general. http://www.extensionladders.co.uk/
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