Don't Look Down
Don't Look Down
Homeowner's Guide to Ladder Safety
Welcome to your guide on how to use a ladder safely. My name is Rocky and I am a 40 year veteran of the Handyman business. Whether you’re cleaning gutters, painting walls, or changing light bulbs, understanding ladder safety is very important. This manual will cover various types of ladders, how to set them up properly, and essential do’s and don’ts for using them around the house. If you are scared of heights do not get on ladders. A fall off a ladder is very serious and can lead to major health problems. Also, do not attempt to climb a ladder if you have been drinking. Especially true for DIYers. Very easy to have a couple of drinks and then the ideal to clean out gutters will pop in your head. Drinking causes you to lack judgement and balance. Just don't do it. Another reason to stay off ladder is age. If you are over 70 do not get on a ladder.
Modern ladders are typically made out of fiberglass. You do see some wood ladders and metal ladders but fiberglass ladders are the best. Another thing, never use a steel ladder when working with any thing electrical. A metal ladder acks like a conductor for electricity and you can get shocked if you accidentally touch electrical wires. So the best ladder to purchase is a fiberglass ladder. They don't conduct electricity and they are much lighter than a heavy wood ladder.
Types of Ladders
1. Step Ladders
Description: Step ladders are self-supporting and have a hinged design with four legs. They are ideal for tasks where you need stability and a smaller working height. In fact most injuries happen on 6 foot step ladders .Most injury is a result of carelessly standing on the top rung and over reaching. You must maintain focus when using a ladder. Accidents can happen in a blink of an eye. Steps ladders range from 3' feet to 12' feet on average. I carry a 6’ foot fiber glass ladder on the truck for my general purpose ladder.
Main Use for:
Indoor tasks such as painting walls, installing light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Shorter reach tasks (up to 10 feet)
Setting Up:
Open step ladder fully and ensure the spreaders (the cross braces) are locked in place.
Make sure all four feet are on a flat, stable surface.
2. Extension Ladders
Description: Extension ladders consist of two or more sections that slide past each other, allowing for adjustable heights. They are perfect for reaching higher places. There are various heights for extension ladders. The best all around ladder to have is a 24' ladder. That is what I carry on my truck. Always have a helper when using an extension ladder to hold the ladder in place for you. Many accidents are the result of trying to do it by yourself.
Never carry more tools and equipment than you can easily handle when going up and down a ladder. Also when having to move position with an extension ladder always grab the ladder with your right hand by your waist and palce your left hand above your head. Stand the ladder up as vertically as possibel. That makes it easy to carry.
Main Use for:
Outdoor tasks
Reaching greater heights (over 10 feet )
Cleaning gutters, Painting, exterior siding, roofing anything to do with working on your home or getting on the roof.
Setting Up:
Place the base of the ladder about 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height.
Ensure the ladder’s feet are on a stable, level surface. You can use blocks of wood of various thickness for this task.
How to Set the Legs
Extension Ladders
1. Positioning:
Ensure the ladder is on a firm and level surface. You can use pieces of wood blocks of various thickness for this. The main thing is that the ladder must be level and not tilting.
Use the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of ladder height, place the base 1 foot away from the wall. When cleaning out gutters, you can rest the ladder on the gutter itself. Just be very careful to square it up and when you get up there do not over reach. That’s why the gutter snake is so valuable. You see your ladder will slide on the gutter. The gutter snake allows you to clean out gutter without having to over extend.
2. Adjusting the Legs:
If the surface is uneven, use blocks of wood of various thickness to level the legs.
Make sure the feet are securely placed and not on slippery surface.
Step Ladders
1. Opening:
Open the ladder fully and lock the spreaders.
Ensure the ladder is on a stable, flat surface.
2. Stabilizing:
Ensure all four feet are secure.
If the surface is uneven, use blocks of wood with various thickness.
Safety Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
Inspect the Ladder: Check for any damage before use. Look for cracks, loose rungs, or bent parts.
Set Up Correctly: Follow the guidelines for setting the legs on both step and extension ladders.
Buddy System. When using extension ladder, have a buddy on the ground holding the ladder in place.
Use the Right Ladder: Choose a ladder that reaches your work area..
Wear Non-Slip Shoes: Use shoes with rubber soles for better grip.
Keep Tools Secure: Use a tool belt or bucket to keep tools and materials handy.
Don’ts:
Don’t Overreach: Maintain your center of balance. Overreaching can cause the ladder to tip over and slide on the gutter. When setting your extension ladder on your gutter, have someone hold the ladder for you. The ladder can slide on the gutter surface.
Don’t Use a Damaged Ladder: Never use a ladder with visible damage.
Don’t Place on Unstable Surfaces: Avoid using ladders on sand, loose soil, or any unstable surface.
Don’t Climb Higher Than Recommended: Avoid climbing beyond the safety .
Don't get on a ladder if you are afraid of heights.
Most of the advice for ladder safety is common sense. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer experience when using ladders for your DIY projects. Remember: safety first If you have any questions about using a ladder, please call us at the Handyman Hotline. We will be glad to assist you.