Don’t fall for it! Get a good sturdy ladder for the job
There are no short cuts when it comes to the right tools for the job. A ladder is a prime example. You cannot make do when it comes to a good ladder. A good sturdy safe ladder is the difference between safety and disaster and nasty accidents on the job. Unfortunately, this is not something that is taken seriously by many tradesmen and farmers. Balancing a step ladder on teetering hay bales or balancing a rickety old ladder against the wall is a very unwise move. The Health Safety Authority in Ireland report that falling through roofs and from ladders account for over half of all work-related accidental fatalities from 2010 to the present day. That’s a very sobering thought.
At the Dandy’s Derrynoose, we stock some powerful ladders at reasonable prices to make your work and home life safer, whether you are taking down the outside Christmas lights, or accessing guttering. In truth, ladders are very simple devices, but they should be respected, maintained and used properly.
Securing your ladder
Always, always secure your ladder. Even for those quick jobs. To do this, start from the bottom up. The base of the ladder should be on firm, level ground. Of course, it is not possible to get a good flat surface always, but common sense should prevail. If the ladder is set up on a smooth surface, like tiles or waxed flooring, there is also a danger of it slipping. Make sure the safety feet are locked. Ideally, the top part of the ladder should be secured to a building or something similar, to prevent slipping. if this is done well, the ladder should not move at all. However, it is not always possible secure your ladder. In these situations, you might want to use a ladder stabilizer. This device attaches to the top of your ladder and ensures that the area where the ladder contacts the structure is much wider, and therefore much more stable. The Jefferson telescopic ladder comes with many safety features including secure fastening strap, locking mechanism and 13 x large slip resistant threads and rubber feet for added grip and durability. All ladders should be ‘footed’ or tied off while being used. The angle of the ladder is important too and should be a safe 75 degrees to the horizontal, or one meter out for every four meters of height. If you are using a step ladder, make sure it is fully extended and locked. At the Dandy’s we stock non non-conductive steps, perfect for electrical engineering sector or for anyone working around electrical equipment. Take a look at the quality and variety of the ladders on offer at our website.
Good Condition
Do not ascend a ladder that is not in good condition. Check that the rungs are unbent and unbroken. The ladder itself should be clean and free of oil and grease. Plenty of folk fall from the ladder itself, rather than the ladder actually falling.
Stay Safe
We take ladders for granted as we have been using them since we were kids. The statistics for ladder related accidents tell a different story. As a major cause of injuries in the workplace and the number one killer in the construction industry, accessing heights must be taken seriously. Don’t be a statistic. Invest in a good ladder and learn to set it up correctly. An investment in a good ladder will pay back over the years and who knows, it may be a lifesaver too.
