QA

How To Use An Extension Ladder

Which side of an extension ladder goes against the house?

How do you use a 32 foot extension ladder?

What is the rule for extension ladders?

Set the ladder at the proper angle. When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one-quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the wall. For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top.

When climbing up or down a ladder you should do which of the following?

When climbing up or down, always: Face the stepladder. Keep your body centered between side rails. Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always.

What is the 4 to 1 rule when using a ladder?

The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.

How high can a 32 foot ladder reach?

Extension Ladder Chart Extension Ladder Height Maximum Reach of Extension Ladder Distance of Base Placement from Wall 20 foot 19 feet 5 feet 24 foot 23 feet 6 feet 28 foot 27 feet 7 feet 32 foot 31 feet 8 feet.

How do you keep a ladder from slipping?

Use a ladder with nonskid feet or spurs to prevent the ladder from slipping on a hard smooth surface. You can secure the base of the ladder by driving stakes and tying the ladder to them or by blocking the base against movement. A mature helper stationed under the ladder can also prevent movement.

What is the most common cause of ladder accidents?

Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a ladder in any other way than what the manufacturer intended it to be used for.

What should you not do on a ladder?

Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up/down a ladder. Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.

What should you do when securing the base of a ladder?

Secure both the base and top of a ladder to prevent movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top. Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off, use a stake in the ground.

How do you transport a 24 foot extension ladder?

Tie the extension ladder down securely when you transport by car. Take four pieces of rope and tie two on the front of the ladder and two on the back. Secure tightly on each side of your front and rear car bumpers. This acts as a pyramid tie so the ladder can’t shift from side to side or front to back.

Why is there a rope on an extension ladder?

Extension Ladders may be equipped with rope and pulley systems to assist the user when extending the Fly Sections. The rope must have a minimum breaking strength of 560 pounds. Under no circumstances is an extension adjustment to be made when anyone is standing on the ladder.

Do you need someone to hold a ladder?

Nowadays, there is absolutely no need for someone to hold a ladder for you while you climb, there are a number of safer, more reliable ways to secure a ladder that will prevent accidental slips and falls.

How should straight and extension ladders be stored?

What is the proper way to store ladders? Return ladders to the storage area after use. Store ladders where they are protected from the weather. Store ladders where people or machinery will not come in contact with it unintentionally. Support ladders horizontally on racks or mount on the walls.

Can you stand backwards on a ladder?

Tempting as it may be, never sit or stand on the very top step of the ladder. In fact, ladder manufacturers—and emergency room doctors—recommend never standing above the third highest step. Only climb up the front of the ladder, never the back side.

Is it safe to carry tools up an extension ladder onto the roof?

Carrying tools whilst ascending and descending a ladder is clearly a safety hazard and should be avoided at all costs unless you have the equipment to do so; such as a tool belt. Having a tool belt, however, doesn’t automatically make carrying tools up a ladder safe.

Where do you place a ladder?

This placement means the bottom section “faces” a wall or other supporting surface (see figures below). Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length of the ladder. The ladder will be leaning at a 75 degree angle from the ground.

How far should the ladder protrude out of the excavation?

If a ladder has to be used during excavation work, there must be a protected stepping-off point with suitable edge protection. The ladder must rise about five rungs (over 1m) above ground level to provide an easy handhold.

How tall of a ladder do I need to reach 20 feet?

Size Max. Height You Want to Reach Buy This Size Ladder (assumes vertical 12-inch reach) 14 feet 10-foot 16 feet 12-foot 18 feet 14-foot 20 feet 16-foot.

How do you stabilize a ladder on a soft ground?

Dig a trench under the high-side foot when your ladder is on uneven ground. Flip the shoes up when you’re setting up the ladder on soft ground. The spurs will dig in and prevent the ladder from slipping.

What angle should my ladder be?

The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees or the 1 in 4 rule.

How do you position a ladder on a slope?

Extend the ladder and lean it up against the building/wall. Set up the ladder at the correct angle which should be 1 metre out for every 4 metres up or 75°. The rungs should always look horizontal and an appropriate levelling device should be used such as a Big Grip Ladder Stabiliser or the LSD Ladder Leveller.