Ladders are responsible for numerous deaths and injury each year, the majority are caused by improper use and faulty equipment.However, if used correctly and if they are in good condition, a ladder is the most useful, practical and convenient tool of working at height available.One of the most important aspects is that you use the correct ladder for the job in hand; a step-ladder for ceiling work, an extension ladder for leaning against an outside wool or a roof ladder for working on roofs.But also its vital that the ladder is made of the correct material and is of of good quality.Cheap and badly made ladders are dangerous and should never be used.In looking for a ladder here are some things to look out for..Materials.Aluminium, is one of the most common materials for manufacturing ladders.Its light, strong and easily manipulated for manufacture.Aluminium ladders also don;t chip or crack when subjected to impact.Aluminium also doesn't need to be painted and doesn't suffer from severe corrosion.Aluminum ladder.However, there are drawbacks to aluminium.Aluminium does dent and a buckled ladder should not be used as it could be uneven.Aluminium is also a conductor of electricity and heat so should be avoided when bare electrics or extreme heat are present.Fibre Glass is a very similar material to aluminium.Its not an alloy and is not susceptible to the elements and is very strong and even lighter than aluminium.Its far more brittle though, and can crack if impacted but it doesn't conduct electricity so is often used around electricity.Wood is a traditional material and still useful for ladders.Timber ladders are often made of combined hard and soft wood for strength and rigidity.However, they can crack and chip and need to be painted or varnished to avoid the elements.Quality.When buying a ladder the quality should be checked carefully.Ensure any aluminium ladder is not bent or buckled and that a wooden or fibre glass ladder has no cracks, dents or chips.All rungs should be secure and if you are unsure - walk away!
No comments:
Post a Comment