10 Tips for Safe Aluminum Ladder Use

Once workers choose and inspect their Aluminum Ladder, they must be sure to use it safely. Here are 10 tips you can give them to ensure they do:

1. Don't overreach. One of the most common unsafe practices committed by Aluminum Ladder users is overreaching. This is especially likely to occur when the worker is painting or working on a project that progressively gets farther away from the Aluminum Ladder. A good rule to remember is to keep your belt buckle as additional level of safety protection between the rails and move the Aluminum Ladder as the work requires.

2. Place the Aluminum Ladder correctly. Correct placement is a very important factor in Aluminum Ladder safety. When setting up a portable Aluminum Ladder, workers should place it on a solid, level base. A straight Aluminum Ladder should be placed so that the distance from the base of the Aluminum Ladder to the wall is equal to one fourth of the distance from the base to the point of support. (That is one foot out for each four feet of height.) The Aluminum Ladder should be long enough to allow three feet above the point of support.

3. Secure the Aluminum Ladder. Tell workers to anchor the top and either tie the bottom down or have someone hold it. Warn them not to attempt to move an Aluminum Ladder while they're still on it!

4. Don’t climb to the top. Workers should understand that on a straight Aluminum Ladder, the top three rungs are for holding onto, not for standing on. When working on a step Aluminum Ladder, the spreaders should always be securely locked into place. Workers should never climb past the third rung from the top.

5. Keep contact. Explain that safe climbing demands both hands and both feet! When ascending or descending a Aluminum Ladder, workers should always be facing the Aluminum Ladder and take only one step at a time and maintain three(3)-point contact.

6. Don't carry objects in your hands. Workers should also wear a safety belt. Tell them to carry their tools on a belt or a pouch and not in their hands. Another solution to this problem is a tool basket. The climber needs only to carry up a hand line which can be then be used to pull tools up or down. This must be done carefully so tools are not dropped onto a person below.

7. One at a time. One person should be on a Aluminum Ladder at a time. Let workers know that if they must speak to someone, they should climb down the Aluminum Ladder and have their discussion on the ground.

8. Don't paint Aluminum Ladders. Remind workers that paint can conceal defects or cracks. Instead, use shellac or varnish as a preservative.

9. Get rid of defective Aluminum Ladders immediately. Inform your workers that defective Aluminum Ladders should be removed from service immediately and tagged to prevent even temporary use.

10. Protect yourself. Workers can't always control the actions of others, but there are certain things they can do to protect themselves while they’re on an Aluminum Ladder. Explain that if they must work on an Aluminum Ladder near a doorway, they need to make sure to lock the door, barricade it or hang warning tape across it with a sign telling others they are behind the door. Rope off the area, allowing plenty of room to work in. Consider using a watchman to guard the area and hold the Aluminum Ladder while the worker is on it.

Conclusion

Don't let the unsafe use of Aluminum Ladders, be the workers' downfall! Teach them how to use the right Aluminum Ladder for the job and how to inspect it for defects. Also make sure the crew know the proper steps to report and replace defective Aluminum Ladders.