DIY ladder safety tips for spring
Posted on 25th Mar, 2016 | By Lorretta Tatham
With numerous bank holidays coming up over the next few months and the weather on the up, many of us will be getting our DIY hats on and revamping our home and garden for spring. Whether you’re a professional or a tradesperson, there are some safety tips you mustn’t forget to follow. From using the right access equipment to working safely from a height – here are some of our top tips…
Job: Household renovations
Top tip: Don’t overreach
Whether you’re hanging artwork, painting walls, or plastering the cracks on the ceiling, it’s crucial that you don’t overreach. All our ladders clearly list their maximum height – so do take that into consideration when choosing your access product. Overreaching can lead to instability – and ultimately falls.
Job: Changing light fittings
Top tip: Use a fibreglass ladder
Whether a job is going to take 5 minutes or 50 minutes, if you’re working around electricity you need to play it safe. Don’t be tempted to use an aluminium ladder just because it’s all you have available. Aluminium ladders conduct electricity and simply aren’t worth the risk for jobs like these. You can discover some of our fibreglass step ladders here.
Job: Garden maintenance
Top tip: Set your ladder up on even, firm ground
When you’re working from a height, stability is of upmost importance. Your grounding is the basis for your stability, so don’t put up with uneven or soft ground. Make sure you give yourself all the support you need and don’t forget that you can invest in a Safety Base Ladder Leveller or a Ladder Mat for extra stability too.
Job: Cleaning the windows
Top tip: Keep three points of contact at all times
Cleaning windows can be fiddly at the best of times – however, you should always maintain three points of contact at all times. Always make sure you’re working front on too, rather than sideways on.
Job: Painting the exterior of a property
Top tip: Make sure your work area is clear
If you’ve got a number of paint pots, brushes, and accessories, make sure you position them safely and that they’re not a trip hazard. Don’t leave things lying on the floor and consider using a bucket hook or work belt to help look after all your essentials.
Job: Repointing your brickwork
Top tip: Use the right ladder for the job and secure it correctly
Repointing is a tough job for anyone, so it’s essential to choose a ladder or even a scaffold tower appropriate for the task. You’ll be at it for a long time! If you’re using a leaning ladder, you’ll need to tie it to the property to prevent it from slipping outwards or sideways. You could also use a stability device.
We’ve got plenty of helpful health and safety tips on our blog, so if you’d like to find out more then have a browse! You can easily search our topics by using the search box on the right hand side of our blog.
We’ve also got plenty of Safety Training courses available too. You can find out more about our offerings and how to book here.