Ladders are handy to have around the home, especially if you need to reach high items. However, ladders can also be one of the most dangerous tools on a work site or around the home. So how do you avoid serious injuries or worse when working at heights? Read on for our tips and tricks to keep you safe whilst up the ladder.
There are many reasons you would need to be up on a ladder around the home. Often the first example that springs to mind is cleaning out the gutters. Whilst we strongly believe and advocate for leaving the roof work to the professionals with all the appropriate training and licences and equipment; we also believe in enabling homeowners to do the work they want to, if they can handle it. So, read on for our best tips and tricks to keep you safe while you retrieve the Frisbee off the roof or clean out the long overdue gutters ahead of storm season.
Tasks
Consider the type of task you need to complete and what’s involved in completing that task. Things like reaching from the ladder and the weight rating of the ladder are things we often overlook. If your ladder is only rated to 120kgs and you come in at 100kgs, you do not have a lot of wiggle room for tools and accessories. Reaching is a big thing; it seems simple enough, but do you have overhead powerlines? This needs to be a consideration when moving your ladder around as well.
Are you setting up your ladder on a level surface? If the ground beneath your ladder isn’t level you run the risk of falling off your ladder, or it falling over as you get onto the roof. Leaving you stranded on the roof.
Situations
Seems pretty obvious but know your limits and capabilities. Especially if you are alone at the house, or on any medication that may impact on you. When undertaking risky work like roofing work, it is always best to have a buddy to observe and assist where possible. Especially if you take a tumble off the roof, they can at least react quickly to get you the help you need.
Ladder
Choosing the right ladder is not as easy as it seems. Whilst the common portable ladders are great tools for around the home, they can also be unstable when compared to scaffolding and fall arrest systems. When selecting your ladder look for the most appropriate option. Take note of the load rating and factor yourself into the weight equation. Same goes for height. There’s no point purchasing a one metre ladder if you need to get up 2.5.
Use
You should only use a ladder when the work is light and never reach out or over extend your arms to the point of toppling. Always get down and move the ladder to a better position. Also ensure you have something to steady yourself on.
Never work from the top rung of a ladder, not only do you have nothing to hold onto, the platform is small and you are most at risk from overbalancing when standing atop the top rung.
There are so many other tips and tricks that go along with using ladders around the home, but these are the top tips to keep you safe as you prepare your roof for storm season.
If you need an expert to take a look at your roof, contact us today for a regular roof check-up. Avoid costly mistakes and discover how Horizonline Roofing Adelaide can help you and your home by getting in touch today. Call to speak to one of our friendly team on (08) 8380 5796, or you can fill in our contact form and we will be in touch shortly.
