Extension ladder safety is a combination of experience, risk assessment and maintenance.  To ensure you are confident working with an extension ladder take a moment to check if you have a good extension ladder work routine.

 

1. Firstly you need to know when should use an extension ladder.
2. Then you must decide which extension ladder is best for the job in hand.
3. You must understand how to use it.
4. Understand how to look after the extension ladder and develop a suitable maintenance routine.
5. Always take sensible safety precautions.

 

On average a third of all the reported incidents of the fall-from-height category involve ladders.  This means that it accounts for 14 deaths and 1200 major injuries each year to workers.

 

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) believes that unsafe use of ladders in the workplace can be connected with the way ladders are used at home.  However extension ladders are used as a work tool and therefore like any work equipment sufficient information and training must be given.

 

The following safety sections have been developed based on the guidelines given by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). 

 

Remember that working at height affects many industries.  The good news is that due to heightened awareness and legislation, there is an overall downward trend in falls from heights however it still continues to be the largest cause of fatality at work.

 

Safety Sections:

When is a ladder the most suitable type of access equipment? 

Is it a safe location to use a ladder?                                                      

Is the ladder safe to be used?                                                             

Do the users of the ladders know how to use them safely?        

 

Make sure you work safely by applying these extension ladder safety guidelines.