This short blog provides general information for the proper and safe use of a ladder.
Why is ladder safety so important?
As a manufacturer in roofing and insulation, our clients work with ladders all the time. So ladder safety is a very important issue. Accidents can happen fast so we thought it would be useful to share some general safety rules for using a ladder at work with you. These tips are not only important for professional use, but can of course also be consulted for private use.
The three-point method
Have you ever heard of the “three-point method”? When entering a ladder safely, you must have three different contact points with the ladder at all times. In other words: two hands and one foot on the ladder, or two feet and one hand. This also means that you cannot carry any material or tools while climbing a ladder. Light hand tools can be stored in a tool belt.
Ladder safety tips Use our following ladder safety checklist as a handy reminder:
- Always place the ladder on a secure base.
- Secure the ladder at the top and bottom.
- Set up the ladder at a slope of 75°.
- Make sure the ladder extends at least 90 cm above the access level of the roof.
- Keep the areas at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of materials.
- Maintain three-point contact when climbing up or down a ladder. (That’s two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times.)
- Never carry tools or material in your hands when climbing up or down the ladder. Instead, use a tool belt and/or pull materials up to the roof using a hoist (such as a rope and bucket).
- If you are using a roofing ladder or are working at a height where you could potentially fall, we recommend to have personal fall protection equipment fully enabled at all times. This protection equipment could also be useful for lower heights.
- Face the ladder when climbing it.
- If overhead power lines are close to the work area, use a nonconductive type of ladder, such as a fiberglass one.
- When moving a ladder from one place to another, keep an eye out for electrical lines or other hazards that may be within reach of the ladder.
- Never work from any of the three top rungs of any single or extension portable ladder, or from either of the two top steps of any portable step ladder.
- Never work from any of the three top rungs of any single or extension portable ladder, or from either of the two top steps of any portable step ladder.
- Never step on to a ladder with someone else on it — wait until they’ve stepped off.
- Ensure your footwear is clean of grease or mud that might make it slippery
How to get from the ladder to the roof
To get off a ladder and onto a roof, ensure that there is enough space on the roof and that its surface is secure for you to walk on. Also, check that there are no materials or debris that you could trip over when stepping onto the roof. Similarly, if you’re wondering how to get off a roof onto a ladder, use the extra three feet of rungs to get back on the ladder.
Always keep in mind the following points:
- Use two hands to climb the ladder.
- Ensure the ladder extends at least 1 meter above the roof deck — use those top three rungs to help you step onto the roof.
- While still holding onto the ladder, take a test step on the roof first to ensure that the surface isn’t slippery and that it can hold your weight.
Following these ladder safety tips can help you every day. Your checklist will be here available for you at any time.
Source: https://www.iko.com
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