Ladders are essential tools, but can quickly become hazardous if not appropriately used. Therefore, it is wise to learn about ladder safety when gathering winter tips this season.
Weather. Never ascend a ladder during snowy, rainy or windy conditions. This is because such weather provides an ideal environment for accidents and injuries.
Ladder Placement. Always secure your ladder on a firm surface. An unstable surface can lead to an imbalanced ladder and ultimately, an accident. Always test your ladder by putting your full weight on the bottom rung. If it shifts or moves, reposition it until it is stable.
Avoid Top Rungs. No matter what type of ladder you have, never step on the top rung, as doing so is unsafe. It is virtually impossible to balance on the top rung and your likelihood of falling is very high if you attempt this maneuver.
Keep Ladders Away From Doors. Never position a ladder in front of a closed door, even if you think no one is inside the home. If someone enters the home through another door and attempts to exit where a ladder is in use, a serious accident may occur.
Three Point of Contact Rule. Among one of the best winter tips regarding ladder safety is the “three point of contact rule.” This means that you should always have both legs and at least one arm in contact with the ladder when working, as well as keeping both hands on the rails when climbing or descending.
Weight Restrictions. Be aware of your ladder’s weight bearing capacity. If you find yourself with a model that is not sufficient for your weight, put off whatever task you were planning until an appropriate model is found.
Never Skip Steps. Finally, never skip or jump the last few steps when descending. Although the ground may seem close, this activity can easily result in a sprained ankle or other injury.
Although nothing can prevent every accident, following the aforementioned ladder safety tips will help you and members of your household to avoid accidents and have a safe and happy winter.
