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It is simply mind-boggling to me to learn that there are over half a million ladder-related accidents reported every year.
Ladder safety is all-important, and it begins with selecting the right ladder for the job. Regardless of what a ladder is made of, whether it's wood, fiberglass, or aluminum, all ladders are rated according to how much weight they'll handle.
This light duty aluminum ladder will only hold up to 200 pounds. This type 1A will hold up to 300 pounds. So when you buy a ladder, be sure to get one that suits your weight and the load you intend to carry up the ladder.
Now today we'll be talking about stepladders. We'll talk about extension ladders another time. But here are a few quick tips to help keep you safe.
When selecting a stepladder, the height of the ladder plus four feet equals your effective reach. So to work on this eight-foot soffet, a 4-foot ladder works just fine.
Never stand on the next-to-last or the very top step of a ladder. Sooner or later you're going to need to put your ladder on uneven ground. And when you do, don't block up the downhill side. Instead, dig holes on the uphill side to keep your ladder stable.
Home improvement tips from Little Giant Discount. The home of the Little Giant Ladder system.
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