One of the most profound statements I’ve ever heard when it
comes to ladder safety is – “there are two kinds of ladder users, those who
have fallen off a ladder and those that will”. While you may not like the
either-or scenario of that statement, it is sadly all too true. If we use
ladders long enough we can find ourselves on the wrong side of an accident. But
as professional cleaners, ladders are an essential part of our equipment. What
can we do to minimize the risk?
Location, Location, Location!
While most of us would recognize
this adage as something to do with real estate it is a vital element of ladder
safety. Where we place our ladder is the most important step we take in using
it safely. We need to make sure that the ground we are setting our ladder on is
solid. The ladder should also be set at a 75 degree angle. How do we know if we
have it right? There are simple ways to check. To establish the angle simply
set the ladder where you need it, now with your arms stretched out straight,
your hands should land on the rung straight in front of you, then you have the
proper angle. As for the stable ground, when the ladder is set, simply stand on
the bottom rung and bounce a little. If the ladder doesn’t sink unevenly or
deeply then you’re ready to think about climbing. What about uneven ground or
getting on a roof?
Every Ladder Needs These
I have found 2 ladder accessories to
be invaluable when it comes to ladder safety – a standoff and the Pivit tool.
We use a
Werner quick click standoff (some guys call them bullhorns) every time we set
up the extension ladder. It keeps the top of the ladder away from the wall,
which gives you a better angle to clean. It also gives more stability to the
top of the ladder which is especially beneficial when going from the ladder to
a roof. We also use the Pivit tool which looks like a big black wedge. It is
designed as a leg leveler as well as a plank support for interior scaffolding.
Whatever you use, a leg leveler is a must when you need to make sure the ladder
is always straight, never climb a ladder that is leaning to one side, even if
it’s only by a couple of inches.
Other concerns
If you live in an area where you may
need to use a ladder in the winter, you may run into snow or ice where you need
to set up. If there is no other option, then make sure to clear the surface of
any snow or ice before setting your ladder. Of course there are other options
for certain types of cleaning, like extension poles or using different
techniques to clean the exterior from the inside when doing windows. Another great way to reduce the risk of using
ladders is to not use them. We use water fed poles as often as possible to keep
ladder use to a minimum in window cleaning. Or if you are soft washing a house
can you use a longer wand or telescopic pole to get the solution to a setback
dormer?
Training is Essential
One thing we
also should discuss it the need for training. While climbing a ladder may not
be rocket science it’s dangerous and as with any dangerous activity training
can reduce those dangers. Most fire departments have training classes so check
with your local one to see if you can take a class. There are networking events
for cleaners around the country and some may have safety courses and/or demos
that you can attend. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have
online classes (OSHA 10 and OSHA 30) that will help you with the classroom
aspects of ladder safety if you take the ones for the construction industry.
To Use a Ladder or Not
Whatever you
decide no job is worth taking an unnecessary risk with a ladder so really
analyze your options beforehand, apply any and all safety devices for the
ladder, be willing to walk away from an unsafe scenario, and remember the only
safe ladder is the one you never use!
For more educational topics go to Window Cleaning Institute
For more educational topics go to Window Cleaning Institute
