Top 10 Spring Cleaning Ladder Safety Tips
Ladders are very useful for spring home cleaning projects both inside and outside your house. While ladders provide a useful benefit, they can pose a risk of injury. With both indoor and outdoor spring cleaning projects in full swing, it is a good time to talk about ladder safety tips. If you are planning to wash windows or clean out your gutters then you are likely going to be using a ladder.
Spring Cleaning Ladder Safety Tips
- Choose the right ladder. Different ladders are good for different jobs and different people so it is important to choose the right ladder for the job you are doing and your weight. Factors to look at are the size (height), style, weight capacity and the material used to manufacture the ladder.
- Choose a ladder that is the right height. For safety reasons, the ladder you choose should extend at least three feet over the roof line that you are working on.
- Metal is not safe near power lines. If you are using a ladder near power lines it is safe to use fiberglass or wood ladders but not metal for the risk of electrocution.
- Set the ladder on the right angle. The ladder should be used at a 75 degree angle. Test this by standing at the foot of the ladder and reaching straight out toward the rungs. If you can touch them then the ladder is at the right angle.
- Choose the right spot to place your ladder. Always place your ladder on a dry and flat surface out of the way of doorways.
- Do a safety check. Before climbing up the ladder, check that all locks and extensions are in place.
- The top rung is not meant for use. Never step onto the very top rung of a ladder and never stand on the rear section of an extension ladder.
- Use a spotter. If you are using a tall extension ladder it is best to have a spotter at the bottom.
- Do not overreach. Never overreach to the right or left of the ladder – if you are reaching it is best to move the ladder over to where you need it to prevent tipping over.
- Put your ladder away. Always put your ladder away after use it to prevent it from falling on others or becoming a tripping hazard.
If you or a loved one was injured while using a ladder / while someone else was using a ladder because of the negligent actions of another, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Examples of personal injury cases involving ladders include trip and fall, slip and fall, and defective product. You may be able to recover damages including pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
