Whenever you are carrying a ladder, keep the front end above head height.
Turn carefully - it´s not just in slapstick comedies that people get hit
by swinging ladder ends!
1. Place the base against a solid surface.
2. Lift the top of the ladder and "walk down" it, rung-by-rung
and hand-by-hand, moving in towards the base until the ladder is upright.
3. Rest the top of the ladder against the wall or other firm surface,
then lift or slide the base out to its final position.
Ladders are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every
1 measure out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up it.
1. Lay the ladder on the ground with the base at the spot where it is
to stand.
2. Heaviest person; stand at the base and put a foot on the bottom rung.
3. Remaining person(s) start to raise the ladder while heavy partner
reaches forward from the base and grasps the stiles (take care not to
pull or strain while a back is arched, as this can cause serious injury).
4. Once the ladder is upright, ease the top to rest against the wall
or other firm surface.
Remember the rule - ONE OUT FOR FOUR UP.
A short extension (under 2 metres, or 6ft) can be done after the ladder
has been raised as for short ladders, described above.
For a long extension of over 2 metres:
1. Lay the ladder on the ground on the position to be used, then extend
it to the required length.
2. Raise the ladder as for a long ladder described above.
If an extension ladder is to be extended, always do so before climbing
it.
Position the ladder so that the base won´t slip outwards. Leaning ladders
are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1 measure
out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up it
(rungs are usually about a third of a metre apart, so it´s easy enough
to get the distances roughly right). Most new extension ladders now have
a mark on the stiles to show the safest angle of leaning. The more the
base is moved out from this position, the greater the risk that it will
slip outwards suddenly and fall down without warning!
Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface, never against guttering,
or other narrow or plastic features. Where a surface is too brittle or
weak to support the top of the ladder, use a stay or a stand-off resting
on a firm surface nearby. Bolt or clip this to the top of the ladder before
putting up the ladder.
Have at least three rungs extended beyond a roof´s edge if you´re using
a ladder to get yourself up onto a roof.
Before ordering ladders, please ensure your size, type etc is correct.
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