>> Important Safety Tips on Using Portable Ladders - Part 2

Continuation of Part 1...

Climbing a Ladder

Even when you're not going very high, climbing a ladder can be a bit of a balancing act. By following these tips you can climb with greater comfort and security:

* Grasp the rungs of the ladder, not the side rails. The rungs are easier to hold onto in case your foot slips. Face the ladder when going up or down and when working from it. Keep the centre of your body within the side rails.

* Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times.

* Do not carry objects in your hands while on a ladder. Instead, hoist materials or attach tools to your belt.

Staying on a Ladder

Above all, don't fall! Adopt these common-sense rules:

* Tie yourself off with a safety harness when working 3 m (10 ft) or more off the ground or when working with both hands.

* Do not work from the top three rungs. The higher you go on a ladder, the greater the possibility that it will slip out at the base.

* Wear protective footwear with slip-resistant soles and heels. Before mounting a ladder, make sure your footwear is in good condition, and wipe off the soles if necessary. Don't climb a ladder if the soles of your shoes or boots are wet, muddy or slippery.

* Ensure that only one person is on a single-width ladder. A double-width ladder should have no more than one person on each side.

* Don't straddle the space between a ladder and another object.

* Don't overreach from a ladder; step down and move the ladder as required. You might need to take a rest break after awhile, since frequent climbing is hard work on the legs.

* Keep your balance. If you're doing work that requires you to look up and reach above your head (e.g. to wash windows or paint a wall) rest frequently to avoid arm fatigue and disorientation. If you become dizzy or panicky, drape your arms over a rung and rest your head against another rung or side rail. Climb down slowly.

Other Safety Precautions

* Ensure that all electrical equipment used during ladder work is in good condition and properly grounded.

* Do not join two short ladders to make a longer ladder. The side rails are not strong enough to support the extra load.

* Do not allow anyone to stand under a ladder.

* Do not use a ladder placed in a horizontal position as a scaffold plank or runway.

* Do not use a chair, barrel, box or anything else as a makeshift ladder.

* If you have access to a fixed stairway or scaffold, use it instead of a portable ladder.