Extension ladders are one of a range of access equipment which you may need to use either as a person doing DIY or a professional. Although many safety improvements have been made falls from height is still an important cause for serious accidents every year.
Before choosing to work with an extension ladder it is important to evaluate the job before so that you know for sure that you do require access equipment at all and if it is this type of ladder that is best suited to the job.
Some basic guidelines to follow are if the work itself is pretty light as ladders are not suited to manual handling tasks as you need to keep three points of contact at all times meaning your two feet and one hand. You should also not be in the working position for any longer than half an hour at a time.
If the task is in tune with these factors then the next step is to ensure you are using the best quality and safety approved equipment. Never take any shortcuts on this as unsafe equipment; whether it is too old and worn or it is a cheap foreign imitation which does not adhere to your country’s safety guidelines, this can be an accident waiting to happen. Check that the manufacturer has all of the safety marks relevant to your jurisdiction. It is fine to buy cheap extension ladders once they have been made according to these guidelines.
From time to time it is no harm to take yourself back to basics and check out the Health and Safety Executive’s website where you can download excellent manuals which can refresh your safety practices when working at heights.
It is human nature that when people do certain types of tasks repeatedly such as working at height they can become too relaxed about the way they work. Basic safety practices should never be ignored when working on extension ladders or any access equipment. Correct yourself if you find you are overreaching or overloading and never take anything up the ladder which is heavier than the load stated on its safety instructions. Of course any carrying should respect the three point rule so that you have one hand gripping the ladder. Make sure you always wear suitable clothing also and that you yourself are in a fit state to do the work.
In conclusion only use the equipment if really necessary, make sure you have safe, quality equipment and work with an awareness at all times to good safety practices when using extension ladders or any other access equipment.
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