Fall and spring are the two seasons closely associated to annual general cleaning and house maintenance. For gutter cleaning or window washing, ladders are the basic tools people reach for to start their cleaning chores. It doesn't matter if you use wood ladders, giant ladders, fiberglass ladders, or any super ladder out in the market. These ladders' structure and material may reduce your risk of being unstable and falling but only just. They are indispensable tools, but can cause a lot of trouble if not used properly. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 547,000 cases were admitted in hospitals and medical outposts due to injuries incurred from ladder use. Though mostly fractures, bruises, and minor cuts, some barely escaped with head trauma and concussions. As such, ladder safety is as essential as your trusty ladder is.
To formally start your cleaning sessions and hopefully finish it without going anywhere near the hospital, inspect your ladders. Loose screws, nuts and bolts, hinges, and rungs must be tightened properly to ensure that the ladder will remain stable while being climbed. Even if you have regular ladders, giant ladders, fiberglass ladders, or any super ladder, dirt, mud, and grime can accumulate and settle on its corners and steps. This is especially true if the ladder is not stored properly or kept outdoors. These grime and muck must be wiped off and cleaned. This will reduce your risk of slipping on the steps. Second, for practicality and safety, position ladders on hard, level ground. The thawing of the soil after the winter will leave the ground with much moisture content. This will make your ground soft and muddy. There is a possibility that your ladder may sink in the mud and be shaky. Uneven ground or flooring also make ladders prone to wobbling and instability. In addition, make sure that the locks and braces are fixed and properly engaged. This will keep your ladder from folding under you.
Regular ladders, giant ladders, fiberglass ladders, or any super ladders are not structured to support your entire weight for long periods. They are structured to be climbing tools only, meaning they support your weight for a limited period while you are climbing to a more stable surface like the roof. This means that you should not, under any condition, use ladders as seats. You will stress the steps and may cause the braces to weaken. Climb down if you want to rest and settle on a chair. It is also important to use the proper ladder for specific purposes. Stool ladders and utility ladders are advisable for low heights while extension ladders like giant ladders are preferred for reaching high levels. Fiberglass ladders are also preferred because of their strength. Also, it is essential to move carefully when carrying things while on top of ladders. Unnecessary wobbling and jerky movements can cause the ladder to shake and be unbalanced. Lastly, it is almost common sense to position the ladder close to the surface you want to reach to avoid leaning over. Asking help in climbing and supporting ladders never hurt anyone as long as you make sure that the one supporting you understands these safety concerns. Make your cleaning a breeze with your trusty ladder and safety tips.