zhongxinladder

In the US, more than 500,000 people a year are treated for ladder related injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.  Of those injuries, about 300 people die.  I’m up on some type of a ladder almost every day so I’d like to pass along just a few tips. Since it’s gutter cleaning season, I’ll focus on the tall extension ladders.

Select the right Household ladder

Ladders have a duty rating from the American National Standards Institute.  This rating includes the maximum weight it’s designed to handle, which includes the user, material and tools.

Type III: light duty - up to 200 lbs
Type II: medium Duty - up to 225 lbs
Type I: Heavy Duty - up to 250 lbs
Type I-A: Extra Heavy Duty - up to 300 lbs*
Type I-AA: Special Duty - up to 375 lbs*

* If you and your load are getting close to or above 300 lbs, consider renting a lift.

Inspect Before Each Use

    * Check all bolts and rivets

    * Be sure the rungs are clean

    * Be sure the feet are secure and the rubber soles will grip

    * Check the rails and rungs for cracks or other damage

    * Check the movement and springs of the rung locks

    * Check the rope for fraying

    * Check the operation of the pulley

    * Check aluminum ladders for burrs - wood and fiberglass for splinters

Setting a Aluminum step ladder

First, read the labels on the ladder.  Second, watch out for overhead electric wires.

The most frequent injuries to inspectors is from setting the ladder on slippery decks, patios or walks.  I look for level, dry, compacted soil.  If there’s mulch, I’ll scrape it away.  If your house is on a slope, install adjustable levelers at the base of your ladder.

Getting the angle of the ladder is important.  Too steep and it could tip back.  Too low of a slope and it could kick out.  The ladder should be set 1 foot out for every 4 feet in height.  With your toes touching the feet of the ladder, hold out your arms straight.  Your finger tips should just touch the rails.

Working from a household step ladder

Don’t wear slippery or muddy shoes.  Use both hands while climbing or descending.  If your project involves using both hands, it shouldn’t be done from a ladder – one hand always needs to be holding on.  Always stay centered.  Don’t reach or lean to the sides.

If you need to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend above the roof edge by at least three rungs.  Strap or clamp the ladder securely to the roof edge or gutter.  Always step on or off the roof using a rung well below the point where the ladder meets the edge.Stepping above the edge and the bottom of the ladder can kick out.

Unless you have the right equipment, never set a ladder on a roof to get to a higher roof.  Finally, never leave a ladder up unattended.

from:oldhouseweb

Why use a Household ladder ? Because the most important thing to notice, is that there are different levels of participation, ranging from full participation to fake participation, from being in-control to being under control.

After this one, other ladders of participation have been described: for example the
Ladder of Children’s Participation (also called the Ladder of Youth Participation), from (1997) Roger Hart, Children’s Participation: The Theory And Practice Of Involving Young Citizens In Community Development And Environmental Care
MOBILE AND SAFETY STAIRS – Mobile Stairs for access to mezzanine floors or for use in warehouse applications. There are flexible top platform configurations to allow exit ‘to front’ or ‘to side’ off the top platform.

WAREHOUSE STEPS – Also known as Ladder stabilizers or rolling ladders they have a large stable platform at the top from which to work. These ladders are fitted with wheels to allow them to be moved easily and the wheels have some form of locking mechanism. The top platform has a guardrail to protect the operator. These steps are also available as folding steps which can be flat packed when not in use.

RETAIL/OFFICE STEPS – There are very few height access products which don’t look like they belong on a building site. The one exception to this is the Stepmobile Range of retail stepladders. This product is available in a range of 5 bright colors and can be easily cleaned. There are a range of platform heights available from 0.5m to 1.25m. The units have a very small turning circle allowing them to be used even in the most confined situations. Perhaps the cleverest element of these Aluminum step ladders is the wheels. The unit will move freely until weight is applied then the wheels retract and the unit locks into position.

FIRE ESCAPE LADDERS – Emergency escape ladder that provides a safe way to exit your home in the event of fire. Escape ladders are available in wire, chain, and webbing or in rope ladder format.

LADDER ACCESSORIES – Everything from new rubber feet to ladder racks for storage. Ladder Locks, Ladder Stabilisers, Little Giant Work Platforms and ladder stand-offs. The two most popular accessories we sell are the Roof Hook Kits which convert a standard aluminium ladder into a roof ladder and the ladder clamps used to secure a ladder to the roof rack of a vehicle.

LITTLE JUMBO SAFETY STEPS – This range of small step ladders is available as a 2 step, 3 step and 4 step. Ideal for retail outlets or offices, this folding step ladder is one of the best safety steps in the marketplace.

CUSTOM LADDERS AND FIXED LADDERS – We can solve your Aluminum fixed ladder access problems with a range of custom made ladders manufactured to customer’s specifications. Typically these fixed ladders are installed to gain access to flat roofs or to service equipment like air conditioning units located at height. In order to quote for these products we require a suitable drawing of the project. We can then generate a quotation and timescale for the custom ladder or walkway.

MOBILE ALUMINIUM PLATFORMS – This is a relatively recent development in height access equipment. Looking like a standard work platform where the operator is completely enclosed by guard rails this unit is fitted with a foot operated drive unit. Once the operator is on the platform they can then move the platform into other positions using the steering handle and foot pedal. The are 4 models in the range from a maximum platform height of 1.2m to 2.1m. Each model has 3 platform height settings. Most importantly with this mobile work platform there is no certified training required. The maximum workload capacity is 200kg.

LOFT LADDER AND ATTIC LADDERS – A retractable attic ladder will provide access to a loft or attic and slides or folds away when not required. Available as a sliding aluminium ladder or as a folding ladder in wood. There are also telescopic and concertina attic ladders Types and the full specifications and Attic Ladder Fitting Instructions are on the web site. Attic ladders are covered by two BS standards.

from:blog.ladders