Holiday celebrations are here. From the eve, the gutter […]
Holiday celebrations are here. From the eve, the gutters, walls, railings and any other surface we can reach in the home, the annual hanging of lights and decorations begins.
For some, this was the only dusty ladder to be pulled out of hiding in a year. Rarely think about how to safely buy or use this tool.
Ratings are marked on the ladder. Type I, industrial ladder, can hold 250 pounds. Type II can hold up to 225 pounds. Type III home ladders can hold up to 200 pounds.
Remember to include the weight of the tools or materials you plan to use. If working around electrical wires, do not choose a metal ladder. Many accidents occur every year because power and equipment wires come into contact with metal ladders. Use dry wood or non-conductive fiberglass ladders for this type of work.
Use ladder
Make sure the ladder is suitable for the type of work you plan to do (see type above).
Before using a ladder, especially if it has been stored in the garage for a period of time, check it for cracks or breaks.
Place the ladder on a stable, flat surface. Do not place ladders on top of other objects.
Use a 1: 4 ratio to ensure a stable work platform. Tilt the bottom of the ladder every 4 feet and tilt its bottom by 1 foot until the point where the ladder touches the top (see picture).
When using a type A ladder stool, make sure that the stand is locked in place.
If you are climbing to another surface, such as a roof, make sure that the ladder extends at least three feet from the platform to which you are climbing.
Fix high ladders by tying or securing them to prevent movement.
Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
Place two feet on a ladder-Never place one foot on a rung and the other foot on the other side.
Do not climb to the second rung on a ladder, or to the third rung on a straight or extension ladder.
Never stand on the top of a ladder or on a paint rack.
Place the belt buckle (if any) between the rungs to prevent it from getting stuck.
Don't leave the ladder unattended-kids love them.
Never exceed the range, climb down and move the ladder.
Do not place the ladder on a frozen surface.
When applying power, use a ladder made of wood or fiberglass.
Ladder repair
Check the ladder regularly. Ladder and telescopic ladders should be inspected for broken or frozen joints or latches. The aluminum ladder should be inspected for cracks and weld seams. Before the first use, the aluminum ladder should also be checked for rough spots and burrs.
The wooden ladder should be inspected for cracked wood, debris and decay. Look for damaged or loose hardware. Protect the wooden ladder with linseed oil or clear sealant. Do not paint on wooden ladders-paint may hide blemishes such as rust or cracks.
The fiberglass ladder is protected with a transparent sealant. If the glass fiber is damaged by the sealant, lightly sand it before applying another varnish.