Oct. 1, 2021 by Enyinna Anthony, PMP, CCM
Cleaning leaves out of gutters, putting up Halloween decorations or stringing up Christmas lights are looming tasks for many homeowners in the months ahead, but falling from a ladder can cause serious injury or even death. So, when it comes to ladder safety, it’s best to take advice from professionals in the construction industry before stepping on the first rung.
Donald Duvall, MDTA Construction Safety Auditor for AMG says its important to have the right kind of ladder for the job. For instance, when cleaning gutters, one would typically use an extension ladder. “Make sure the ladder extends to a minimum of three feet above the gutter, he says. Tie and secure the ladder in such a way that it won’t be able to slide sideways if you are reaching and shift weight too much to one side. For this reason, it’s also advisable to have someone hold the ladder at the bottom to help keep it steady.
Ladders must also be kept clean and dry to prevent the user from slipping. On the jobsite, ladders are inspected before use to ensure they are free from any mud, grease or cement. Standing on the top cap of an A-frame/stepladder is forbidden on the jobsite as it’s too unstable – a good rule for use in the home as well.
Ladders should also be made from non-conductive materials. This is usually fiberglass, but in some cases might be wood. “Homeowners often have aluminum extension ladders,” Don notes, “as they are less expensive and lighter to carry, but fiberglass ladders are made for a reason.” An aluminum ladder accidentally coming into contact with anything electrical can have devastating consequences. Never handle ladders of any kind around powerlines.
Finally, always make sure you are adhering to the weight restrictions of your ladder. Most household ladders are considered light duty and have a maximum of 200 lbs.
For more suggestions, OSHA offers an easy-to-follow Ladder Safety Quickcard you can download and print.
