Using a ladder

Using a ladder

Proper selection of the ladder; it is a thorough process that the ladder user need to undergone to ascertain and know the type of the ladder to be used in this scenario, though this process of selection, relevant threats of accidents can be safely prevented. Therefore, the user should ensure that the following is done before using the ladder; attaching spreaders at the base of the ladder to ensure even surface. The duty rating is also a factor that has to been considered keenly, therefore, for this case, the weight of the user is 220 pounds, we can take the weight of the tools and any available accessory to be 10 pounds, hence this will give us a total of 230 pounds, thus, the ladder needs to be a type 1/heavy duty ladder of 250 pound of load.

Inspection of the ladder; a step to step inspection of the moving parts of the ladder i.e. rungs, side rails, spreading devices or any hoisting shoes should be inspected. A ladder that has any complication should be tagged for repair, this will help to prolong the life period of a ladder, thus reduce or avert any unnecessary accidents that could have resulted from the defective ladder.

Set-up of the ladder; first, the ladder should be elevated at a 75 degrees from the wall. This is to ensure that an efficient gradient is provided for the user. Given that a ratio of 4:1 should be maintained, this provides that, the base of the ladder should be 5 feet away from the wall; another factor to be given attention is that, the user of the ladder should not exceed the 24 feet mark when using the ladder. More so, a support for the contact point between the ladder and the roof should be provided for to ensure maximum stability of the ladder for the user, and to avoid any potential hazard that might result from lack of observing any of these set-up rules.

Use of the ladder; the ladder has its norms that should be observed to the later by the user, therefore, the user should always maintain a 3-point contact with the ladder, this include the use of two arms and stability form the legs, another factor to be considered is the is the stretching behavior, a ladder user should never stretch from the ladder to reach some given heights, this is hazardous.

Last but not least is the ladder care; cleaning the ladder to remove all the dirt and debris, and ensuring that the ladder is lubricated adequately, this will ensure maximum longevity for the ladder. Also, adequate storage should be considered.