Although most homeowners use a ladder at one time or another, unfortunately, when used improperly, they are often the cause of accidents and injuries. It is important to know how to use a ladder safely, and to know what type ladder is best for each job.
All ladders made by reputable manufacturers are graded according to the maximum load they are designed to support: Type I is an industrial-grade ladder designed to support weights of 250-300 pounds; Type II is a commercial- grade ladder designed for loads of up to 225 pounds; and Type III ladders are designed for household use with a load capacity of 200 pounds. These ratings have a built-in safety factor of several times the ``rated load`` so that a Type III ladder will support over 800 pounds in most cases.
For most work around the house Type III will probably be more than adequate, but it is a good idea to buy a Type II ladder, especially when shopping for a tall stepladder and an extension ladder. A Type II ladder has heavier rails and treads than a Type III, so it will not wobble as much as a Type III when in use. A heavy-duty extension ladder is likely to be wider and steadier, have sturdier rungs and thicker side rails, and heavier hardware and spring catches. This type ladder will be less likely to slip when it is being raised or lowered.
Most ladders are made of either aluminum or wood; aluminum is the most popular. Lightweight aluminum ladders are easier to carry, but some feel that the heavier weight of a wood ladder makes it more stable. Wood ladders are generally considered safer where there is danger of touching power lines or electric cables.
Ladders used around the house are either stepladders or extension ladders. Stepladders are two-piece folding units that can stand by themselves. Extension ladders consist of two straight sections that interlock so one half can be extended to reach higher than only one section could reach. These must lean against a solid surface before you can climb them.
Also available are combination ladders that can be used as either a stepladder or a short extension ladder. The back leg is hinged to the front so the ladder can be set up as a conventional stepladder, but the sliding hinge mechanism also enables the back section to extend straight up, creating a straight extension ladder approximately double the height of the stepladder. One big advantage of these ladders is that they can be set up with one leg offset or shorter than the other--making them ideal for use on a stairway or sloping surface.
No ladder should be climbed until it has been carefully inspected to make certain all parts are in good working condition. Check hinges, locks and other moving parts to see if they move freely, and inspect the side rails to see if there are any cracks or bent sections. Also, be sure the rungs are in good condition.
Before using a tall extension ladder, lay the ladder on the ground and step on each rung to test it for soundness. Aluminum stepladders and extension ladders should always have plastic or rubber non-skid feet on the bottom of each leg.
Here are a number of other safety rules to observe to avoid accidents when using a ladder:
-- Do not climb a ladder if your feet are wet or muddy; do not raise or use a tall extension ladder on a breezy or windy day.
-- Do not allow more than one person at a time on the rungs of an extension ladder.
-- When climbing, keep both hands free for holding onto the side rails. If you must carry a load up, leave it on the ground and haul it up with a rope when you are in position.
-- When standing on a ladder, keep your body weight between the side rails of the ladder. Do not try to reach out more than an arm`s length to either side by leaning out with your body.
-- Climb or descend a ladder while facing the ladder, not while facing away from it.