Health and Safety Resources

Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the home. The safest way to climb indoors and out is to use a safe and secure ladder. Most homes have some type of ladder either single, double extension or folding step ladder.

Whether you are spring cleaning, putting up decorations, cleaning windows or painting, the following are some simple safety rules which should make working with ladders safer for you:

Always use a sturdy ladder – it is too risky to use a chair to reach heights. Purchase a good standard ladder - look for the C.E. (Certified in Europe) mark or EN (European Norm)
Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is well away from all power lines. Making contact with live wires can be fatal.
Try to plan the work. Consider the area where the work will be done; inside or outside; the ground or floor condition should be non slip, firm and level; ask what height is required etc.
Always check the ladder before use; is it in good condition; is there damage to rungs, stiles, locking catches; are steps clean and free from dirt and mud?
When using a step ladder ensure that it is fully extended before use and the locking mechanism is fully locked.
Single stage or extension ladders must be on a firm level surface. It must be footed by another person or tied off at the top.
Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for a standard ladder, it is the fourth rung from the top.
The ladder must extend at least 3 rungs or 1 meter above the landing place.
A ladder should never be erected at a doorway or garage door, or any outward or inward opening.
The placing of the ladder is very important – use the 4-to-1 rule i.e. for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as a wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.
Ascending or descending the ladder always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder, i.e. 2 hands and a leg or 2 legs and a hand must always be in contact with the ladder.
Keep you your body centered on the ladder and assess your safety by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes outside the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk from falling. Get down and reposition the ladder
Always face the ladder when ascending or descending. If possible, wear slip resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles.
When storing the ladder, remember it may be a long time before you will need it again, so put it away safely. Make sure it is upright up in a dry frost free area, is kept free from clutter, dirt and paint chemicals.
Try not to work alone, have someone with you and always have an emergency plan while working on ladders. Remember you are only one step away from an accident.
Never have more than one person up a ladder at any time.

An important thing to remember is that all ladders need respect. It is not the ladder that causes the accident – it is the person using it, so handling and storage is as important as using the ladder. Remember it might not be you who has the accident but maybe a member of your family.

tool belt ladder