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 the ladder for use, go over it real good looking for any missing or broken pieces. If you find any broken or bent side rails or any other forms of damage structurally it must be destroyed so it can not be used. The simplest method is to chop it into smaller pieces making 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 a ladder is a simple task which generally only requires some basic steps. Look over the ladder ensuring it is entirely closed before moving it to the place you plan on using it. Select a place to put it up that is compacted and level so the feet do not kick-out from under 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 in the vertical position, carefully walk it side by side to the area away from the wall you planned to place it. Let the top gently fall against the wall. It is sometimes easier to do this if you are on the opposite side of it with you back against the wall while letting it fall down. If it needs to be raised carefully pull rope until the fly section is raised to the proper height.
While raising it, always keep a foot on the bottom rung to prevent it from kicking out away from the wall. Try to raise it around 3 feet above the height you plan to be working at. Make sure the rung locks are properly engaged and it is stable before you begin to climb it.
Good extension ladders are great for getting at many hard to reach areas around the home or while at work. If not used right or maintained correctly they can be very dangerous for anyone using them. Use caution and always follow your instincts, so the only thing which gets done will be the task you are finishing.
Whey you get the ladder for use, go over it real good looking for any missing or broken pieces. If you find any broken or bent side rails or any other forms of damage structurally it must be destroyed so it can not be used. The simplest method is to chop it into smaller pieces making 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 a ladder is a simple task which generally only requires some basic steps. Look over the ladder ensuring it is entirely closed before moving it to the place you plan on using it. Select a place to put it up that is compacted and level so the feet do not kick-out from under 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 in the vertical position, carefully walk it side by side to the area away from the wall you planned to place it. Let the top gently fall against the wall. It is sometimes easier to do this if you are on the opposite side of it with you back against the wall while letting it fall down. If it needs to be raised carefully pull rope until the fly section is raised to the proper height.
While raising it, always keep a foot on the bottom rung to prevent it from kicking out away from the wall. Try to raise it around 3 feet above the height you plan to be working at. Make sure the rung locks are properly engaged and it is stable before you begin to climb it.
Good extension ladders are great for getting at many hard to reach areas around the home or while at work. If not used right or maintained correctly they can be very dangerous for anyone using them. Use caution and always follow your instincts, so the only thing which gets done will be the task you are finishing.
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