Ladder Training & Safety Tips

Ladder is the most important tool while you work on height. Ladders and scaffolding are two of the most risky pieces of equipment on construction sites. Proper fall protection is critical from heights as well as scaffolds or ladders. Having safer equipment helps reduce the risk of injury. Out of date, poorly maintained, or faulty equipment is increasingly rare on modern and professional construction sites.

Most accidents occur from incorrect use of the ladder or materials. Before you begin a project make sure that you have gone through safety preparations and are familiar with the tools to be used.

1. The first thing towards ladder safety, you need to know is how to use a ladder properly. The proper use of a ladder will depend on the particular ladder that you have.
2. The most important thing you need to check is the footing of the ladder. It should be placed on a level surface and be stable.
3. The next thing you need to check before using a ladder is that it's leaning against something that is stable.
4. Once you have decided that you need to use a ladder to complete your project, make sure that you have the right type of ladder. There are many types of ladders all with their own advantages and disadvantages, which may include weight and height limits.
5. Place the stepladder at right angles to the work, with either the front or back of the steps facing the work.
6. To ensure stability, face the stepladder when climbing up or down. Keep your body centered between side rails. You have climbed too high if your knees are above top of the stepladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder.
7. Don't use stepladders on soft ground where one leg may sink farther into the ground than others.
8. Don't use ladders in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it. Set up suitable barriers or lock doors shut.
9. Do not work off the top two steps (top three steps for swing-back/double-sided stepladders) unless you have a safe handhold on the steps.
10. When climbing up make sure there is nothing to obstruct your climb such as tree limbs, electrical wires, etc.
11. If you’re climbing up on a wall or roof, for extra stability tie the ladder off on both sides. For example, on a roof you can drive a nail into the shingles on each side and use rope to tie off the ladder so it won't slide either way on you while up working on it. Creating greater stability and safety.

These are some ladder safety tips. If you are new to this industry, you should have proper ladder safety training to avoid serious accidents.