subject: Measures to ensure safety while using ladders [print this page] Measures to ensure safety while using ladders
Before starting to use a ladder, care must be taken to ensure that it is securely set in place. The brace for a step ladder must be properly locked in place. The top of the ladder should extend at least three feet above the point where one intends to climb on to. Tall ladders require additional fastening at points along its length and at its foot to prevent movement.
Rigid ladders are used by leaning them on the wall or any other vertical surface. It has been determined that, it is safe to lean the ladder at an angle of 15 degrees to the vertical. This is achieved by having the foot of the ladder at a distance from the wall which is one quarter of the height of the top of the ladder from the ground.
When the ladder is set this way, then the foot of the ladder will not slide backwards to cause it to fall. This setting also prevents the top of the ladder from toppling backwards. Ladder stabilizes can be used to secure the foot of the ladder to the ground for extra safety. In situations where there are projections from the wall, a ladder standoff can be used. This device is used to set the top of the ladder away from the enabling obstacles to be bypassed.
Using rope ladders requires great skill. It tends to swing like a pendulum. Some balancing is required while using a rope ladder to working. It is only recommended for use where it is impossible to use a fixed ladder such as climbing an object with a curved surface like a rock or cliff. The weight of the user and his cargo must be kept to a minimum. A rope ladder requires minimum space for storage.
The person using the ladder should always face it when climbing down or up. Both feet should be kept on the ladder. It is highly dangerous for the user to stand on the top or the paint shelf of a step ladder. If a belt buckle is used it should be placed between the rungs to prevent it from being entangled. Fibreglass of wooden ladders should be used near electricity. Ladders should never be left unattended because children like climbing them.
Some ladders are made to dissipate electrostatic discharge (ESD). Such ladders are referred to as dissipative ladders. ESD occurs naturally and might pass through the body of the person using the ladder and cause shock. Such a shock might cause the user to fall or disrupt work. Dissipative ladders have controlled electrical resistance which slows down transfer of a charge to the user.
Pool ladders are fitted at the side of a boat for climbing into the boat and in swimming pools. They have plastic steps with special grip. Metal bars on the side are used to support the steps. The metal bars also act as balusters for safety.
