A ladder step is a portable piece of equipment that can be moved from one place to another. Its main difference from a staircase or steps is that it doesn’t need to be leaning against something for support.
It is important to work at your child’s pace and move on to the next step once they have mastered each one. This can take a long time – and this is okay!
Safety Tips
Ladders can be dangerous tools even when they’re properly used. Many ladder safety rules are easy to forget when using a piece of equipment that’s very familiar and frequently used. Even seasoned construction workers can become complacent when they’re at home, without the supervision, strong safety habits and training that they rely on in their workplaces.
Inspect ladders regularly. Look for things like missing or damaged rungs and steps; loose, bent or wobbly feet; and slippery surfaces. It’s also important to understand the maximum load rating of ladders and never exceed it.
Always face ladders when climbing them and maintain three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot). Wear slip-resistant shoes to help you grip rungs better and avoid falling. Place a sign or cones to designate a work space to keep people from wandering into your working area. Place ladders away from doors, windows and other objects that could crush them.
Ladder Inspection
Ladders need to be inspected regularly to ensure they are safe for use. This inspection must be a detailed visual one that follows the ladder manufacturer’s checklist and is performed by someone who has been trained in ladder safety. A record of this inspection should be kept. Ladders found to be defective must be withdrawn from service and tagged, or blocked so they cannot be used until they have been repaired.
A typical inspection will look for things such as dents or bends in side rails, checking the hardware connections, and inspecting the rungs. It will also check the ladder feet (which are similar to the tires on your car) for excessive wear. This is important, as a worn ladder foot can be unstable and lead to a fall. It is important that employees who conduct these inspections understand what they are looking for, which is why our IIRSM accredited Ladder Inspection training course is perfect.
Ladder Accessories
A step ladder with wide steps and a platform at the top is ideal for tasks that don’t require a lot of time standing, such as changing light bulbs or hanging holiday decorations. Ladders with narrow rungs and no platforms are usually called step stools.
Among the best step ladders we tested is the Ohuhu aluminum telescoping model. It adjusts to four different heights in the double-sided stepladder position and seven if you use it as an extension ladder. Its rung sections automatically lock into place as you extend them, making it easy to reach a worksite and safe to climb. The ladder also has large non-slip feet and a release handle built into the platform to keep it from accidentally opening when you’re carrying it.
The Louisville 6206 fiberglass ladder is another great multi-purpose ladder for home projects. Its cross-step design puts you 6-inches closer to your work space and converts into a straight ladder that can lean against a wall. The project top includes several storage compartments and a magnetic space to hold metal tools like drills. The durable fiberglass rails are non-conductive for working near electricity and the EDGE bracing system provides tip resistance pros count on.
Ladder Safety
Ladders are one of the most common tools used in the workplace but, like any tool they carry some risks. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace injuries and can be fatal. Taking the right precautions when working with ladders, including inspecting them before use, setting them up properly, climbing them safely, using the ladder for its intended purpose and avoiding electrical hazards, can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
When on the ladder, it is important to keep three points of contact – either two feet and one hand or two arms and a foot. Avoid reaching out beyond the side rails of the ladder as this can shift your center of gravity and increase your chance of falling.
It is also good practice to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any guidelines on ladder angle, weight capacity and ladder set-up. Lastly, always face the ladder when climbing and do not lean it against a window or other crushable surface. Wall steps