![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122123045im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
Timothy
G. Prather
University of Tennessee Extension
Many
of us prune trees in late winter and do other jobs, such as
painting our house, during spring and summer. Ladders are
necessary for performing a number of tasks, but, did you know
that hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries result each
year from improper use of ladders? The stunts where Chevy
Chase is hanging Christmas lights in the movie "Family Christmas"
were funny, but only because they were planned and conducted
by professionals. You would probably end up visiting the emergency room.
The
brief time needed to move your ladder and to set up and secure
it properly can prevent a painful and costly accident. Listed
below are some practices that will help you avoid danger:
- Make
sure the ladder is appropriate for the job and free of damage.
Metal ladders should never be used near power lines or when
doing electrical work. Replace any ladder that is bent,
broken or otherwise damaged.
- The
ladder must be tall enough for the job.
- Straight
or extension ladders should have the base a distance one
fourth the height away from the wall. If the ladder is used
to reach a roof or other elevated surface, it should extend
at least three feet above the roof for safe access. Never
stand on the top steps of a step ladder.
- Make
sure the ladder has firm footing to keep it from slipping
or falling. If the footing is not secure, lash (tie) the
ladder to a secure object.
- Always
keep your body between the ladder rails. Stretching and
leaning to the side has resulted in countless falls. Move
the ladder so you can safely reach your work.
- Always
face the ladder and use both hands when climbing up or down.
Carry your tools and other materials in a tool belt or pouch,
or use a rope to raise and lower them.
- Protect
your investment (ladders are expensive) and your life by
storing ladders where they are protected from the weather
and other damage.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122123045im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by the University of Tennessee
Agricultural Extension Service, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901.
Publication date: February 1991.
Timothy
G. Prather, Agricultural Safety Specialist, Agricultural Engineering
Department, University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension
Service, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901.
|