Whether you’re cleaning out the rain gutters, trying to reach fine china or simply dusting off your fans, ladders are an extremely useful tool to have around the house. However, because they are so commonly used, sometimes the danger that accompanies them may slip your mind. Use the following tips to ensure you aren’t easily knocked down a rung.
- Don’t step on the top step of a ladder, unless it was explicitly designed for it.
- Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Maintain a three-point (two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder.
- Be sure all locks are properly set.
- Use ladders on a stable, level surface.
- Don’t permit more than one person on a ladder at a single time.
- Be sure to keep in mind any tools or equipment you may also have on the ladder when assessing your ladder’s load-bearing capacity.
- Place a ladder’s base a quarter of the working length from the ladder between the wall or building.
