Ladders are a useful piece of equipment for any homeowner, which is why they can become such a dangerous item if not respected or used properly. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or up an actual ladder, proper safety measures should be taken. When it comes to hiring a ladder, many contractors opt for Boels tool hire.

A ladder is considered to be one of the most dangerous pieces of power equipment in the home. One falls off a ladder, and you risk serious injury, or even worse, death!

Here are my top tips for keeping safe when climbing ladders.

Find the signs of damage

What causes a ladder to collapse? The most common reason that a ladder collapses is that it has been damaged. Any damage in the rungs or cross braces will decrease the strength of the ladder, causing it to become unstable and unsafe.

Always check the ladder for cracks or damaged welds. Always use your ladder on dry-level surfaces. You should never step on the top two rungs of the ladder. Make sure the tops of your feet are covered while you're climbing your ladder. Boels ladder hire provides the best ladders that won't risk your life while working.

Check the rungs

Before using a ladder, check to see if the rungs are in good condition. Inspect each rung and make sure that it is solid and secure. If any of the rungs are bent, missing, or loose, find another ladder. When you climb a ladder, be careful not to step on any rungs that have loose ends or spaces between them. Avoid ladders with uneven or splintered steps. These types of rungs are especially dangerous because they cannot bear weight properly and will break easily.

Check the stiles

Bent/​damaged stiles could cause the ladder to fail. The strength of the ladder depends on them, so it is important that they are straight and sturdy. Check the rungs (steps) have no holes or splits that would cause the foot to slip.

The stiles on a ladder provide basic support and stability. Ensure the stiles are not cracked or split before buying the ladder. The rungs must be close together to reduce trip hazards.

Check the locking mechanism

A ladder that has not been checked regularly could be carrying bent or worn fixings in the locking mechanisms that may have affected the locking ability of the rungs. Ladder inspections and maintenance are critical for safe use.

You should check that the ladder is not leaning against a wall or edge and could slip away from underneath you. If you notice anything suspicious, do not use the ladder.

Check its feet

Before climbing the ladder, make sure it's steady, and all of its feet are touching the ground. Using your weight, rock your ladder from side to side. If it starts swaying, check that at least three of its feet are contacting the ground. If not, move to a different location and try again. Once you have placed your ladder, use the levels and "aim" your ladder towards the roof. The sidewall of the ladder should be parallel to the roofline. Once leveled, make sure that all feet are in contact with the ground. If one or more feet is not touching the ground, your ladder could tip over when extended.

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    Homesgofast com

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