Ladder Safety
Since the early days when dad used to do all the stuff today’s tradesmen did, DIY has been in the blood of the millions of Americans and people all over the world who love a challenge and a job well done. Sadly, since those days, the numbers of injuries related to ladders and the falls they can cause are also on the rise due to more and more people opting to do their own home renovations due to the ever tightening economy. Ladders can be a man’s best friend if used properly and when selecting the best one for the job. If you don’t want to have several in the garage, you can easily rent one on a daily basis from tool rental companies that are only too eager to the need for such equipment. Thought one is quite inexpensive and is sure to find a need in a home, if you do decide to get one, try to get one that would reach the highest point in your home which is the roof so repairs can be done easy on that area. Choosing two-part ones is best for it allows you to work easy under the said level making it an awfully useful tool all around.
Chose one from the many available models and makes, aluminum is rust free and light. Metal ones are sturdy yet heavy and can be quite hard on the back. Fiberglass is the most expensive type but can be considered the safest for most jobs, they are light, strong and does not conduct electricity in case of an accidental short in your tools. Accessories such as tool stands, foot levelers and others are available, be sure to get ones you need such as window stand-offs which is why most professional grade ones have those protrusions on the top most rungs. Observe proper safety when using them and tie them off when working st a height more than six or eight feet to prevent it from slipping of the slippery roof, taking it with you. Generally, when the wind is quite strong, work in height is not advised for safety’s sake. Wear proper footwear to prevent slips on the rungs should you be working wit paint or during wet weather which can make aluminum quite slippery even with anti-slip designs.
More safety and design ideas next time round so keep safe and follow the instructions on the ladder, the life you save can be your own.