Although ladders and extension ladders can be very handy for conducting essential roof, loft and gutter maintenance and other home-improvement tasks, they can also be very dangerous. Recent statistics show that approximately 1,200 people in the UK suffer ladder-related injuries every year, so you need to be careful when using your ladder!
Following the tips detailed below should make sure that you can carry on using this useful and valuable piece of equipment without becoming part of this worrying statistic.
Tips for ladder safety
• Never climb your ladder when no one else is at home – if you fall, no one will be there to help you. Also, have another person present to assist you and secure the base of the ladder.
• Do your home work – fully research proper ladder placement before starting your ladder-related job, and be aware of all safety guidelines.
• Assess the risk – Consider whether the task you’re going up the ladder to carry out is too difficult for your skill level. If it is, it really isn’t worth risking your life for – use the services of a professional instead.
• Make sure you use the right type of ladder!
When used correctly, ladders can be extremely helpful for loft conversions, laying roof tiles and valuable maintenance on rooftop objects. If you remember these tips, you should be able to safely complete whatever task you undertake.
