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Whether you're putting up the Holiday decorations in the winter or painting the house in the summer, the proper selection and use of ladders is always of paramount importance. Ladders are something that are so common around the house that we tend to take for granted, and it only takes a momentary lapse in judgment to cause a very serious injury.
When shopping for a ladder -- as when buying any tool -- you want to look for the proper ladder for the intended use, and you want to buy the best quality ladder you can afford. High-quality ladders are sturdier, safer, easier to use, and with proper care should last a lifetime.
Ladder Ratings
There are four industry-standard load-capacity ratings for ladders, no matter what material they are made out of. The higher the rating is, the sturdier the ladder will be in use, and also, typically, the more expensive it will be.
* Type III, Light Duty / Household Use (200 pound load capacity): The lightest rating, intended for short ladders that will be used very infrequently and for very light-duty work.
* Type II, Medium Duty, Commercial Use (225 pound load capacity): For light duty use around the house -- painting, cleaning, light repairs.
* Type I, Heavy Duty, Industrial Use (250 pound load capacity): Good all around rating for household or commercial use. Sturdy enough for just about any use.
* Type IA, Extra Heavy Duty/Professional Use (300 pound load capacity): The highest rating. Very sturdy, and designed for rugged use in any capacity on commercial or industrial sites.
Safe Setup and Use
It's rare for a ladder to break or otherwise fail during use, so if you're going to have a ladder-related accident, it's almost surely due to improper use. You don't need to be a graduate of Ladder University -- just apply some care and some common sense.
* Inspect the ladder before each use: If you see any damage, or if the ladder is dirty or wet, don't use it until it's been repaired, cleaned, or dried.
* Don't overextend your reach: Set the ladder up as close to your work as possible, and move it as necessary. Stretching way out to one side while you're on the ladder can cause it to slide, or cause you to lose your balance.
* Set extension ladders at the proper angle: The proper angle for an extension ladder is achieved by setting the base out approximately one quarter of the ladder's height -- for example, a sixteen foot ladder should be set up with the base 4 feet out from the wall. Setting an extension ladder at too steep of an angle makes for a difficult climb and increases the ladder's tendency to slide to the side or to tip over backward; setting it at too shallow of an angle increases the risk of the ladder dropping out from under you.
* Properly lock step ladders: When using a step ladder, open it all the out and make sure the cross braces are locked. Never use a step ladder in a folded position by pretending it's an extension ladder and leaning it against something -- the feet are angled the wrong way for this use, and the ladder will easily slip.
* Set the ladder on solid ground: Always make sure that the feet of the ladder are firmly on the ground. Never set a ladder up on mud, ice, wet ground, drop clothes, loose boards, etc.
* Make sure the ladder is level: Never set an extension ladder up on sloping ground where both feet are not fully in contact with the ground. If necessary, dig out the high spot to level the ladder -- NEVER place loose objects under the feet to try and level it.
* Read the instructions: Always read and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and precautions for the safe setup, use and maintenance of that particular type of ladder.
Home improvement tips from Little Giant Discount. The home of the Little Giant Ladder system as seen on tv.
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