Whether you’re a seasoned ladder user or just pulling that old ladder out of storage to put up decorations, safety should always be a top priority.
Before you climb, take a moment to refresh your ladder safety knowledge – it could make all the difference!
This festive season, we encourage everyone to follow a few simple steps to ensure you’re safe while at height. Remember: a missed step, improper angle, or even a quick overreach can quickly turn a joyful moment into an unfortunate accident.
Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and keep those holiday traditions going strong!
Here are our simple steps you can take before you use your ladder:
- Decide if it’s right to use a ladder – ladders can be appropriate for low risk and short duration tasks (no more than 30 mins).
- Select the right equipment – does it meet current product standard (AS 1657)? Is it the right type of ladder for the task?
- Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual – every ladder should come with instructions, so take some time to read before you climb.
- Check your ladder is in good condition – is it safe to use now? If it’s been in the shed for a while, check the components, give it a clean so you can see any possible damage. Make sure rungs and stiles aren’t bent or damaged, or feet missing. Check the locking mechanisms too before you take your first step.
- Position your ladder correctly – Extension ladders should be angled at a ratio of 4:1. That is, position the base of the ladder 1 metre away from the structure for every 4 metres of height. Make sure all feet are on the ground and the steps are level.
- Make sure the ladder is stable and not on soft ground – soft, sandy or rocky ground is not stable, and makes climbing unsafe.
- Make sure the ladder is long enough for the task – don’t be tempted to overreach (and please don’t try to add extra height!), if it’s a stepladder then avoid standing on the top three steps.
- ‘Get a Grip’ by maintaining a firm handhold at all times – always maintain three points of contact, this could be two feet and one hand, or when both hands need to be free for a brief period (like knocking in a nail), two feet and the body supported by the ladder.
- Don’t overload – decorations could be heavier than you think. Make sure your weight, plus anything you’re carrying doesn’t exceed the maximum total load.
- Secure your ladder – if you need to you should tie your ladder to a suitable point, use a stability device, wedge the ladder, or last resort, get someone to foot the ladder for you.
- Wear suitable footwear! Slippers, thongs or bare feet won’t cut it, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy, flat shoes.
