One of the many useful tools homeowners or people who work in construction are extension ladders. It may be surprising that despite how many people use them they are still often misused. This could be bad for anyone using them as even small falls resulting from improperly maintained or used ladders generally cause more accidents at job sites or around the homes and are one of the biggest factors for causing people to be hurt. By using some basic rules this could easily be avoided.
Whey you get your ladder out to use it, look it over real good for any broken or missing pieces. If it has bent or broken side rails or any other structural damage it should be destroyed so no one can use it. The common method is to cut it into small pieces rendering it useless.
It should also be checked for grease, grime and other debris. If it has any of these it should be cleaned off so it is not a safety hazard. This should be done each time it is used.
Using one is quite simple and typically only requires a few steps. Ensure the ladder is closed completely before you pick it up to move it where you are planning to use it. Chose a spot for setting it up which is mostly level and compacted hard enough that the ladder's feet cannot kick out underneath it.
Put the foot of the ladder tightly against the inside base of what it will be set on. Move to the top of the ladder, moving from one rung to another hand over hand, walk it up to a straight vertical position. Keeping it braced to the structure will generally help you maintain enough leverage to keep lifting it past the middle point. It is typically best to keep it around 1/4 the height of your extended ladder away from the wall.
Once it is lifted to the vertical position, walk it carefully to the area away from your wall where it will be placed. Let the very top fall gently against the wall. Sometimes it is easier to do this when you are braced on the back of it with your back facing away from the wall while it falls down. If you need to raise it, carefully pull the rope until the upper fly section is lifted to the correct height.
While raising it up, always keep your foot on the very bottom rung to stop it from kicking away from the wall. Try raising it about 3 feet over the height you are planning to be working with. Make sure your rung locks are engaged properly and it remains stable before beginning to climb on it.
Good extension ladders can not be beat for getting at those hard to reach places around the house or at work. If not used correctly they can also be quite dangerous for the people using them. Always be careful and use your wits, so the only thing that gets done is the task you are doing.
Whey you get your ladder out to use it, look it over real good for any broken or missing pieces. If it has bent or broken side rails or any other structural damage it should be destroyed so no one can use it. The common method is to cut it into small pieces rendering it useless.
It should also be checked for grease, grime and other debris. If it has any of these it should be cleaned off so it is not a safety hazard. This should be done each time it is used.
Using one is quite simple and typically only requires a few steps. Ensure the ladder is closed completely before you pick it up to move it where you are planning to use it. Chose a spot for setting it up which is mostly level and compacted hard enough that the ladder's feet cannot kick out underneath it.
Put the foot of the ladder tightly against the inside base of what it will be set on. Move to the top of the ladder, moving from one rung to another hand over hand, walk it up to a straight vertical position. Keeping it braced to the structure will generally help you maintain enough leverage to keep lifting it past the middle point. It is typically best to keep it around 1/4 the height of your extended ladder away from the wall.
Once it is lifted to the vertical position, walk it carefully to the area away from your wall where it will be placed. Let the very top fall gently against the wall. Sometimes it is easier to do this when you are braced on the back of it with your back facing away from the wall while it falls down. If you need to raise it, carefully pull the rope until the upper fly section is lifted to the correct height.
While raising it up, always keep your foot on the very bottom rung to stop it from kicking away from the wall. Try raising it about 3 feet over the height you are planning to be working with. Make sure your rung locks are engaged properly and it remains stable before beginning to climb on it.
Good extension ladders can not be beat for getting at those hard to reach places around the house or at work. If not used correctly they can also be quite dangerous for the people using them. Always be careful and use your wits, so the only thing that gets done is the task you are doing.
