TIPS FOR LADDER SAFETY

 TIPS FOR LADDER SAFETY

Each year, several thousand workers across United States are injured in falls related to ladders.  The risk grows when many workers take down lights and seasonal decorations in December and January or hang banners and decorations.

The combination of workers doing tasks they normally don’t do and an all too often careless approach to ladder safety can lead to the worst holiday or special event period ever.

Here are 10 tips for ladder safety when hanging decorations:

1.   Carefully inspect the ladder for defects. Check for cracks, corrosion and that bolts and rivets are secure. If the ladder is unsafe, tag it and remove it from service.

2.   Make sure the ladder’s feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads.

3.   Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity.

4.   When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer’s guidance.

5.   When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the landing.

6.   When climbing the ladder, use 3 points of contact — keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.

7.   Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance.

8.   Never stand on top of a ladder.

9.   Don’t pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other safe working surface may be a better choice for your task.

10.                Avoid setting the ladder near exit doors, near the path of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Each year, nearly 900 workers across Washington state are injured in falls related to ladders. The risk grows when many workers take down lights and seasonal decorations in January — or hang banners and decorations to show their 12^th Man pride for the Super Bowl.
The combination of workers doing tasks they normally don’t do and an all too often careless approach to ladder safety can lead to the worst Super Bowl weekend ever.
Here are 10 tips for ladder safety when hanging decorations:

1. Carefully inspect the ladder for defects. Check for cracks, corrosion and that bolts and rivets are secure. If the ladder is unsafe, tag it and remove it from service.
2. Make sure the ladder’s feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads.
3. Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity.
4. When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer’s guidance.
5. When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the landing.
6. When climbing the ladder, use 3 points of contact — keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.
7. Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance.
8. Never stand on top of a ladder.
9. Don’t pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other safe working surface may be a better choice for your task.
10. Avoid setting the ladder near exit doors, near the path of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

- See more at: http://deptoflaborandindustries.tumblr.com/post/109415635316/10-tips-for-ladder-safety#sthash.nPW6oPZ0.dpuf

Each year, nearly 900 workers across Washington state are injured in falls related to ladders. The risk grows when many workers take down lights and seasonal decorations in January — or hang banners and decorations to show their 12^th Man pride for the Super Bowl.
The combination of workers doing tasks they normally don’t do and an all too often careless approach to ladder safety can lead to the worst Super Bowl weekend ever.
Here are 10 tips for ladder safety when hanging decorations:

1. Carefully inspect the ladder for defects. Check for cracks, corrosion and that bolts and rivets are secure. If the ladder is unsafe, tag it and remove it from service.
2. Make sure the ladder’s feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads.
3. Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity.
4. When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer’s guidance.
5. When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the landing.
6. When climbing the ladder, use 3 points of contact — keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.
7. Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance.
8. Never stand on top of a ladder.
9. Don’t pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other safe working surface may be a better choice for your task.
10. Avoid setting the ladder near exit doors, near the path of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

- See more at: http://deptoflaborandindustries.tumblr.com/post/109415635316/10-tips-for-ladder-safety#sthash.nPW6oPZ0.dpuf