Maintenance requirements for ladders

Maintenance requirements for ladders

Maintenance requirements for ladders

Ladders should be inspected regularly. Step ladders and extension ladders should be checked if they are having broken or frozen joints or latches. Aluminium ladders should be checked if they have cracks, broken welds, rough spots and burrs. Wood is prone to cracks, rot or splinters. A coat of linseed oil or clear sealant is good as protection for wood. It is recommended that wood ladders should never be painted because the paint would hide imperfections such as rot and cracks. Clear sealant is used on fibreglass ladders.

Materials used for making ladders include aluminium, timber and fibreglass. There are many designs suitable for different circumstances. Ladders made of Aluminium alloys allow for light weight and high strength and are resistant to wear and tear. But they can be dented, cracked and chipped by high impact. They do not need a protective finish. They do not deteriorate when exposed to bad weather or sunlight. Only slow oxidization occurs on the surface. But this can be polished off. Their biggest drawbacks are that they conduct electricity and heat.

Fibreglass is a poor conductor of electricity. Fibreglass ladders are therefore suitable for use near exposed live wires. They are also not affected weather conditions and can be left out door without any worries. They can also safely be stored next hot surfaces.

Timbers suitable for making ladders are dense hardwood and softwood such as blue gum, mahogany, cypress, pine and Elgon teak. Hardwoods are durable and strong. Timber does not conduct electricity but cannot be used near exposed fires as they will burn. Timber ladders wear very quickly and require protective finishes such as vanishes.

There are three basic types of portable ladders according to their load capacity. Industrial ladders are heavy duty ladders with the maximum capacity of more than 250 pounds. Trade ladders are medium duty and possess load capacity of up to 225 pounds. They are used for painting and similar light duties. Household ladders are light duty with a load capacity of less than 200 pounds. To ensure safety, ladders should not be overloaded. The total load on the ladder is composed of the weight of the person using it and that of the things being carried. To ensure stability it should lean at fifteen degrees to the vertical.

Ladders are usually made using Aluminium, wood or fibreglass. Aluminium is most durable. It conducts electricity and should not be used near live wires. Wooden ladders should be thoroughly checked before use as they are prone to rotting. Fibreglass ladders are durable and do not conduct electricity but they are very expensive.

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