A Step (Ladder) In The Safe Direction

For those involved in industrial sectors, such as Electrical Utilities, Power Transmission Organizations, Rail Transportation, and Mining Industries, safety is a big concern. Incorrect or faulty equipment can lead to a compromise in the safety of workers as well as the various materials and tools they may be working with. When it comes to ladders alone, over 300 people die every year, and many thousands are seriously injured. Keep reading to find out how you can avoid injury and loss of work with some tips on safely using step ladders.

Step Up

Step ladders are A-frame ladders that are self-supporting. These portable ladders have four (two in the front and two rear side rails) rails used for support. In comparison to other ladders, such as extension or combination ladders, the self-supporting nature of the step ladder makes it a better choice when there are no clear and safe landmarks to rest a non-self-standing ladder on. As ladders are manufactured for specific uses, the appropriate ladder needs to be used for different types of jobs. Here are some tips to get the best use of your step ladder.

Firstly, never overload the maximum weight capacity of the ladder you are using. This varies on the type, grade and material of the ladder you are using. A good rule to follow is to use a step ladder that can support four times the max load you are using, with the exception of plastic and extra-heavy duty ladders. These ladders should be able to support three times the greatest load. Never assume that a ladder is a higher duty, and also there is no correlation between length and the duty rating.

Secondly, consider the environment that you will be working in. Is electrical conductivity something that needs to be considered? Then you may either want an insulated ladder or a ladder that can be supported away from any potential hazards. In a situation like this, a step ladder would work well.

Thirdly, the surface the ladder is placed on can influence the stability of this equipment. Slippery or uneven surfaces pose safety concerns as they could lead to an unbalanced ladder. Rubber soles on the feet of the ladder allow more grip but do not necessarily ensure that the ladder will remain upright and solid. On this note, never use a step ladder as a single ladder. Ensure that the spreaders of a step ladder are in working condition and locked appropriately.

Knowing Your Equipment

While these tips work as a good rule of thumb, the type of ladder you should be using changes with the type of work being done. Contact experts and professionals in your field to find out which ladder is best suited for the task you want.

As a trusted and established supplier of electrical components, services and products to the local and international Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Industry, we can help you get the right step ladders for your projects. Browse our catalogues or get in touch with us today.