Many of us grew up with a step ladder in our family home, saw step ladders used for odd jobs and maybe have not thought too deeply about the safe use of step laders. Did you know that every month in the UK 1000 people end up in hospital due to accidents in the home involving step ladders? In other words every day there will be about 30 people waiting in casualty for treatment because of a step ladder incident.
Falls from height in general is still a serious problem although increased awareness and health and safety practices are helping decrease the incidents. In the workplace a HSE report includes details of a man who died after falling from the second rung of a ladder and hit his head on the floor when he fell. These following tips are to help you work safely when using step ladders and increase awareness in good safety practices.
Before rushing into using your step ladder automatically, think about the details and requirements of the task and also about you the user. Can you accomplish the task safely with good reach and safe working conditions, and is it safe to carry out the task by yourself, or does it require assistance?
How long will the work take? It is not safe practice to be on the step ladder for more than 30 minutes. Will you need to move around much when you have mounted the step ladder? What kind of objects are involved in the job, are they either bulky or heavy? How is the environment for the work? Are the floors clean and dry?
Also be aware of how you feel. Some days a person may feel more tired or distracted, so this is not the ideal state for working on step ladders. How is your physical fitness? Be honest with yourself and if necessary ask for help. Maybe you are not that keen on heights, so get someone to help you that it good with heights. You can still be part of the job in other ways.
If you know that you are fine to do the job then apart from assessing if you could do with someone to assist with handing you objects or any other help-be aware of sudden distractions that could break your concentration. Mobile phones are best turned off or else ask your assistant to answer your phone while you are working with step ladders.
Here is a quick checklist which has been put together based on information for the UK Government Health & Safety Executive documentation.
Step Ladder Safety Checklist
1. Do a daily pre-use check which should include the ladder feet
2. Ensure there is space to open fully the ladder
3. Check that the ground is firm and level
4.Use any locking devices
5. The floors should be clean, dry and not slippery
6. Do not work for longer than 30 minutes at one time
7. Do light work up to 10kg
8. Do not work off the top two steps
9. Avoid working side-on
10. Do not over-reach
Always take the time to use step ladders safely.
Author Resource:
Jackie de Burca has put together these safety practices for those using step ladders in the home. If your current step ladder seems worn out to replace it she recommends buying directly from a manufacturer who are Towers & Sanders who make fine British ladders under the brand of Lewis Ladders in accordance with health and safety standards . http://www.stepladders.co.uk/
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