Choosing the Right Ladder For Your Job
Getting hurt while using a ladder is a very common accident in the US. If you need to do some work on a ladder, choosing the right ladder and following some basic ladder safety tips will go a long way to keep you safe. Let’s look at a few things you should consider in selecting the right ladder.
Which style do you want?
There are several variations on ladder styles, but mostly, you’ve got either the step ladder (hinged at the top to form an inverted V) or the extension ladder (a fixed ladder with two or more parts that can be slid apart to give the user more length). A step ladder is great for jobs around the house, especially indoors where you don’t generally need as much height. However, if you find yourself needing to step on the top of the step ladder (A big no, no!), you need the greater length (and safety) you’ll get from an extension ladder.
What material is right?
At one time, all ladders were wood, but today you also have choices of fiberglass or aluminum. Wood ladders are generally less expensive and they don’t conduct electricity. Fiberglass ladders also do not conduct electricity; they are also heavier and therefore feel stronger; you may feel more secure when up high on a fiberglass ladder. Aluminum ladders are lightweight and strong. They won’t corrode, but they do conduct electricity.
If you are going to be working on or near any source of electricity, make sure to use a non-conductive ladder (wood or fiberglass).
What load capacity do you need?
You can get a ladder in any of 5 weight capacity ratings. When selecting the capacity you need, remember to take into account not only your weight, but the added weight of any tools or materials you will be using on the ladder.
The 5 ladder load capacities are these:
- IAA Commercial Ladder 375 lbs
IA Heavy-duty Industrial 300 lbs
I Industrial 250 lbs
II Light Commercial 225 lbs
III Household 200 lbs
Do you have special storage or transportation needs?
Will you need to take this ladder with you often? Do you have a way to carry it? Would you prefer to store your ladder in the house or in the garage? If you need to transport your ladder or if you have limited storage capacity, consider a telescoping or extension ladder which can fold up to be smaller or extend for more length.
Whatever your needs, there is probably a ladder out there to satisfy them. So consider your lifestyle and the range of ladders available and then enjoy using the right ladder for your job!
Telescoping Ladder: A Lesson In Convenience
Telescoping ladders were invented for one reason, and that was to be convenient. First and foremost, they are easy to transport. Some of these ladders will fold down to as low as 2 and 1/2 feet and weigh as little as 20 lbs, a size that is easy for anyone to fit in the trunk of their car! Additionally, telescoping ladders are easy to store; keep one in your pantry, your coat closet, or leave it in your vehicle; it’s not going to take up much space. The smallest ones can even be purchased with a carrying case.
When choosing which telescoping ladder is right for your needs, there are a few things you should know. First of all, there are a couple of different styles of ladders that fall into the telescoping ladder category. One style is the kind where you have a typical looking, (A-frame) step ladder that is three or four rungs high. On these you can pull the hinge on top up to extend the ladder and give you more rungs, up to double what you started with. For easier storage and transport, of course, you leave the ladder in it’s smallest position.
Another style of telescoping ladder is one where almost all the rungs collapse down on each other with each style (sides of the ladder) between the rungs sliding down into the style below it. When collapsed, these ladders can be as short as 2.5 feet and extend up to over 12 feet, or anywhere in between as each of the styles will lock individually allowing you to choose exactly how tall you need your ladder to be.
After you’ve decided on the style of telescoping ladder that is right for you, make sure to check the weight limit on the ladders you’re looking at. Most will hold at least 250 lbs, and many up to 300 lbs, but with so many weight bearing mechanisms on each ladder, it’s a good idea to double check the capacity.
Finally, expect to spend anywhere from $100 to over $600 on the ladder you choose.
Use Your Ladder Safely
Did you know that more than 547,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, clinics, and other medical settings in 2004 because of injuries related to ladder use? Most of the injuries were cuts, bruises, and fractured bones (according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) It’s no laughing matter, ladders, with their combination of height and balance issues can be dangerous.
So, what are the most important safety tips to keep in mind when using a ladder?
1. Use the right ladder. For tasks requiring you to be at lower heights, use a step ladder or a utility ladder. There is no reason to risk climbing up higher than you need to. Then again, reaching while working on a ladder is never safe either. For jobs that require you to be up higher, get something taller– a telescoping or extension ladder will lift you up where you can be safely balanced.
2. Check that the ladder is in good repair. Missing screws, broken hinges, or loose rungs can cause disaster. Also, remember to fix these things as soon as you notice them so the next person to use the ladder isn’t hurt.
3. Set the ladder on firm, level ground. Watch for soft spots and uneven ground; even a half-inch difference in height under the ladder feet can cause the ladder to throw you right off the top. The uneveness of the ground below your ladder will be magnified by the height of the ladder, so the higher the ladder, the more care you need to exercise in getting this right.
4. Be careful where you put your weight. If you’re moving things around (say on a high shelf in your garage or storage room), remember you are balancing on a ladder which does not transfer weight as easily as your legs and feet do (when you’re standing on the ground). If you shift too much weight you risk losing your balance or knocking the ladder right out from under you!
5. Don’t reach too far in any direction while on a ladder. A good rule of thumb is to keep three points of your body in contact with the ladder; that may be two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. Just make sure you maintain three points of contact. If you need to reach farther than you are sure is safe, take the time to get down off the ladder, move it closer to where you need to reach, and climb back up. It will be worth it!