Aluminum stepladder - how to work so as not to fall

Many businesses use stepladders in their daily work, so it is imperative for workers to know what safety precautions to take when using a stepladder.

What can cause a person to fall from a stepladder?

The most common mistakes when using stairs are due to oversight and human factor. The following are common causes of falls:

• Installing a stepladder on an uneven surface

Be sure to make sure that the stepladder is on a level surface and that all 4 legs touch the ground. If you place a ladder on uneven terrain, it will wobble and a person may fall while climbing it.

• Stepping over a step

It may seem that the steps of the stepladder are too close. This may make you tempted to step over the step, but you shouldn’t do this. You need to step on every step, without neglecting any one.

• No 3 points of contact during ascent and descent

Although the stepladder has wide steps, it is imperative to hold on while climbing with at least one hand! You should not think that you can climb the steps of a stepladder in the same way as a flight of stairs, without holding on with your hands. When ascending and descending, you must have three points of contact with the ladder - either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

• Reached too far while standing on a stepladder

Excessive lateral deviation when standing on a stepladder can cause loss of balance and the ladder falling down. It is better to go down and move the ladder than to dangerously reach to the side.

• Wrong choice of ladders

If a low stepladder is chosen instead of a high one to perform a certain task, this will lead to the person taking a dangerous position on the stepladder - standing on tiptoes, reaching, which is not allowed. A stepladder of suitable height should be selected according to the working height.

Maximum load on stepladder

VIRASTAR aluminum stepladders can withstand a load of 150 kg. Before climbing to heights, always consider the additional weight of supplies and tools that will be used on the job.

Inspection before use

Always inspect a ladder before climbing it to make sure the ladder is in good condition. Clean the stepladder after use if it becomes dirty.

Choosing the right stepladder and following safety rules helps reduce the risk of falling from a height. By training employees to use stepladders correctly, you develop a culture of safe work. Suitable height access equipment allows you to create a safe working area for workers.

We also invite you to read the article from the blog “Folding ladder – safe transportation.”