Ladder Safety Tips
Ladders are the most common tool of a professional roofer, and very often, they are one of the primary means of accessing a roof. They do pose some unique safety concerns, though, and you should never take it for granted that they are safe. Instead, always consider the following whenever ladders are used:
LADDER RATING: Ladders are rated by how much weight they can safely bear, and you should consider the highest available rating of 1A or 300 pounds.
MATERIAL: When it comes to safety, the best material for a ladder is fiberglass. Although wood is cheaper and aluminum is easier to handle, wood deteriorates when used outdoors, and aluminum is dangerous when used around electric circuits. Some businesses and industrial plants will not allow you to use aluminum ladders, while some insist on the use of fiberglass ladders only.
POWER LINES: Even ladders made of wood or fiberglass should not be used in the vicinity of power lines or other electrical hazards.
POSITIONING: Ladders should extend above the roof edge by 3 to 3-V2 feet and sit on a firm level base. Leveling can be attained by digging or by the use of adjustable leg levelers. Firmness can be attained by the use of a 2-foot square piece of 3/4″ plywood under each leg.
LADDER ANGLE: To be at a proper angle, the distance of the foot of the ladder from the wall supporting it should be one- quarter of the height of the wall (1 foot for every 4 feet of vertical rise).
TIE-OFF: A ladder in place for use over an extended period should be tied off at the bottom rung to a stake driven into the ground and near the top to an eye bolt screwed into the fascia.
OVERREACHING: Don’t over-reach to either side while on a ladder. A good rule is to make sure to keep your belt buckle between the rails.
NOT A PLANK: DO NOT use the ladder, or even a section of a ladder, as a plank or to provide stiffness to a wooden plank. Besides the danger of failure, the stresses set up during this usage loosen the ladder’s connecting points.
STEP LADDERS: Step ladders are intended for use fully opened, not closed, and leaning against a wall. The highest step on which you can stand is 2 feet below the top.
INSPECTION: A ladder should be inspected every time it is set up for use. Check the ladder from bottom to top for any visible defects or wear, and make sure it is correctly and securely anchored and properly positioned.
