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Don't over-reach yourself, our simple guide will get you on top of the correct ladderJust follow these steps to choose the right ladderThe right ladder for the right job is a serious matter. Safety dictates certain considerations and it is essential that these are strictly adhered to. Many accidents occur as a result of the incorrect choice of ladder or the correct ladder being used incorrectly. These typically include being overloaded, over-reaching or severe back strain resulting from inappropriate usage. The modern safety ladder is initially specified by its loading capacity such that:
Don't forget that these weights are not just of the worker involved it also includes the tools and materials that are being used and the weight of anyone 'steadying' the ladder with their foot on the bottom rung. Type 3 ladders are really only intended for lightweight 'occasional' domestic functions such as decorating or changing a light-bulb. They are not intended for regular usage nor for heavy duty applications such as on building sites. The next decision is the choice of material from which the ladder is made. Aluminium is the lightest and most durable but it is not best suited to electrical applications. Timber ladders are heavy but need regular maintenance if they are not to rot. They can also be invisibly damaged rendering them dangerous. Fibreglass offers the best of both worlds - it is durable, strong, lightweight and does not conduct electricity. Unfortunately it is the most expensive of the three. Having decided on the material, it is now necessary to consider the structure of the ladder. Choose one which has wide rungs and feet that will firmly grip the surface that the ladder is erected on. If the feet are plastic-coated, check to see that it isn't a thin film of plastic which will get ruined on the ladder's first use and thus render it unstable thereafter. Finally, look at the height of the ladder. It should be high enough to just extend beyond the height that the worker needs to access. Ideally at full stretch the worker should have the top of the ladder pressing into their chest as they work. That way there should be no chance of falling off. Under no circumstances should the worker be expected to put their feet on the top four or five rungs. When working out the height, don't forget to take into account the maximum operating height of the ladder is not its height but its true height after correcting for the slant caused by its leaning against a wall. For the mathematically inclined multiply by the sine of the angle of lean. Alternatively (and assuming an 75-degree slope) the ladder wants to be 3.5% longer than the height to be accessed. If you are buying a ladder which comes in sections, check the locking
mechanism to see that it functions smoothly and securely.
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Choosing the right ladder |
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