Many people know how to use ladders, though the accident statistics show that many accidents are due to falls from ladders. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how you can work at height with a ladder so that you can avoid being injured or even killed. Remember that you can hire an extension ladder from the Lakeside Hire. These ladders are designed to be used by both professional contractors and inexperienced property owners. This page discusses the techniques to help you set up an extension ladder properly.
Set the Right Angle
You need to set the ladder at the right angle by putting your toes against the feet of the ladder. You can stand up and then extend your arms. Make sure that your hands’ palms reach the rung of the ladder.
You may have once climbed halfway up your extension ladder and felt the ladder sliding off to one side below your feet. This means that the feet of the ladder were not set solidly before you climbed the ladders. You should note that climbing a ladder is usually safe. But you need to set your ladder at the right angle. If you set the ladder too steep, it can tip over backward. Also, if there is too much angle, the bottom can slide out or bend.
Secure the Feet
You need to screw a 2×4 cleat to a deck that is behind the feet of the ladder to prevent it from slipping backward. Also, you should establish a base level so that the feet cannot slip. If you intend to use the ladder on soft ground, you need to flip up your ladder shoes so that the spurs get into the ground.
Before you decide to set up your extension ladder on a hard surface, you must clean the ladder’s feet and remove any dirt and sand that can cause it to slide. But if you think that the ladder can still slip, then you should tie the ladder legs with ropes.
Secure the Ladder Top
You should add a ladder stabilizer to the ladder’s top to provide extra stability. Remember that providing the right stable base is only the start. You also need to ensure that the top of your ladder doesn’t slide once the rails rest on the walls. You need to make sure that your ladder is vertical. And, ensure that the top of your ladder is on an even surface. You should avoid angling the ladder to the right or left to reach a certain area.
Final Words
You can also find many add-on accessories that may stabilize the top of your ladder. You can choose to use soft plastic mitts or rubber that can slip over the rails of the ladder. They offer a good grip on the siding as well as protect the rails from damage. You can find larger rubber pads that can grip almost any surface. Stabilizers can also span window openings and even hold your ladder away from the wall to allow work to be done on overhangs and gutters. You can find these accessories on the market, especially where they sell ladders.
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