Every home needs a ladder, and that ladder has to be the right one. You almost can’t go wrong with aluminum ladders, but there are quite a few different ones available. The information below may help you to decide which one is right for you.
The Size of the Ladder
There are attic ladders, extension ladders, loft ladders, step ladders, and more. Whichever one you choose, you have to make sure that the size is right. Should it be too short, you may have to stand on the top rungs, which isn’t safe. Straight or extension ladders, for instance, have the top three rungs for support only and you should never stand on them. Hence, make sure you know the working height that you require in order to find a ladder that is both safe and comfortable. Usually, extension ladders have a one meter working height and step ladders have a two meter working height.
The Rating of the Ladder
Different countries have different ratings for ladders. These ratings indicate its standards, load levels, material quality, and more. Because the world is now online, you should not only familiarize yourself with our national ladder ratings, as it is possible that yours was constructed in Europe or in Asia. Asian products should be avoided as much as possible due to insufficient safety regulations. However, if the ladder is certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) and carry its Kitemark, then you can guarantee that it has been properly tested.
In this country, you should consider the ratings provided by the American Ladder Institute. They provide a wealth of information on acceptable standards and what they mean. Additionally, they have linked up to OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health Administration) standards for working at heights and fall hazards, which further ensures that you know you can be safe. Last but not least, they have a wealth of resources available to make sure you know how to work on a ladder in a safe manner.
Aluminum ladders are popular because of a variety of reasons. Mainly, they are very lightweight, while being incredibly strong at the same time. They are portable and easy to store, as well as being affordable. For all of their benefits, however, aluminum ladders are not suitable for work around electrical sources, as the metal is a conductor.
Working with ladders is always dangerous, and you have to take those dangers very seriously. It is all too easy to become overconfident working on a ladder because you feel secure and safe. But the reality is that you work at a height without any protection and a trip or fall is always just around the corner. Even the slightest instability on the floor on which you have placed your ladder can lead to an accident. So long as you respect and understand this, and follow all the necessary safety precautions, you should be completely safe when doing work around the house.
