How To Use A Ladder

What is the 4 to 1 rule when using a ladder?

The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.

How do you use a ladder for dummies?

How can you be safe on a ladder?

Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder—one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot. And never allow a second person on the ladder with you. Center your weight between the ladder rails at all times, and avoid sudden, jerky movements. Never extend your reach more than 12 inches outside the rails.

What are the five steps to ladder safety?

5 Simple Ladder Safety Tips 1) Choose the right ladder & Check the Weight Rating. 2) Always inspect the ladder before using it. 3) Make sure the ladder is stable before beginning to climb it. 4) Make sure that you stay stable as you climb or stand on a ladder. 5) Do not carry items with you as you climb the ladder.

Where do you place a ladder?

This placement means the bottom section “faces” a wall or other supporting surface (see figures below). Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length of the ladder. The ladder will be leaning at a 75 degree angle from the ground.

What is the most common cause of ladder accidents?

Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a ladder in any other way than what the manufacturer intended it to be used for.

What is the correct way to climb a ladder?

When climbing up or down, always: Face the stepladder. Keep your body centered between side rails. Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always. Keep a firm grip. Make sure that footwear is in good condition.

Can I lean ladder against gutter?

SHORT ANSWER: No, it’s not safe to lean a ladder against a gutter. Make sure you lean your ladder against a strong resting point that’s sturdy enough to support it.

How do you step on a ladder?

Keep the stepladder close to the work. Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders wobbly since they are weaker or less stable in those directions. Face the stepladder when climbing up or down. Keep your body centered between side rails. Maintain a firm grip.

How do I get over my fear of ladders?

The basics remain the same – maintain three points of contact, stay off the top cap on stepladders, follow the three-foot rule with extension ladders, and always make sure your ladder is leaning at the proper angle.

What is the risk of ladder?

Injuries associated with ladder/stepladder hazards Serious injuries – Falls can result in bone fractures, which can be multiple, and cause ligament/tendon damage. Skull fractures could result from falling objects. Minor injuries – Bruises, cuts, grazes, sprains and strains from falls.

What are the main hazards of using ladders?

Common Hazards Reaching or leaning too far rather than moving the ladder. Placing the ladder on boxes or pallets to gain height. Climbing the ladder while carrying items. Standing on the very top step or rung when the ladder is too short for the task.

What are three general rules for safe ladder use?

Always face the ladder and use both hands to climb and descent. Keep three limbs on the ladder at all times. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise and lower them with a hand line. Always hold on with one hand and never reach too far to either side or to the rear.

What is the recommended slope for a ladder?

The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees or the 1 in 4 rule.

What are the 3 types of ladders?

Ladders come in a range of styles to suit the different jobs they can be used for: Single Pole Ladders (maximum length 9 metres) Extension Ladders (maximum length 15 metres) Step Ladders (maximum height 6.1 metres) Dual Purpose Ladders (stepladder hinged to provide an extension) Platform (podium) Ladders.

How far should a ladder be away from a wall?

Use the 4-to-1 rule: Make sure the ladder is 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet/base of the ladder should be 4 feet from the wall.

How many people died on ladders?

Statistics Concerning Ladder Dangers According to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders.

At what age should you stop climbing ladders?

Once a person reaches age 65 their body has less muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it harder to stay on something like a ladder. Most elderly people also have poor balance and coordination because of these age-related factors: Recent illness or surgery. Poor vision.

What do you do if you fall off a ladder?

If you’re feeling pain and cannot sit up, call for help and try to stay still as you wait. If you can manage to get up, roll on your side and try to get into a seated position first. After that, attempt to stand up by getting on your hands and knees and finding support to help you stand.

What is the belt buckle rule?

Prevent falls from ladders: Keep your body (belt buckle) between the side rails of the ladder. Avoid over reaching to the sides.