Hi Guys,

Do you guys know how to stay safe on a ladder? Well read below to find out.

In the past decade, it has been assessed that forty three percent of workplace fatalities from falling have been a result of falls from ladders. If the numbers are so high in an environment where employees are given ladder safety training and safety protocols are in place to minimise accidents it stands to reason that homeowners working alone are at massive risk. Thankfully, these risks can easily be minimised if the casual user familiarises themselves with ladder safety and how to secure a ladder in place. There are two areas to consider when tying off a ladder, the bottom and the top 

Two of the biggest risks when using a ladder are from ladder movement during use. If the ladder is not secured at the bottom, there can be a risk of the ladder feet sliding away from the wall rapidly and the user falling with it. As well as the risk of injury on impact with the floor, any tools or heavy equipment will also fall and could land on the user, causing further injury. There are several ways this can be avoided.

Did you find this helpful? Follow the link to read more –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/how-to-tie-off-a-ladder-for-safety/

Hey all,

Do you know why you shouldn’t take risks with ladders? Well read below to find out.

Ladders – they are a versatile tool. Used properly a ladder can become the ultimate working companion whether you enjoy DIY or your job requires the use of a ladder.

When used correctly ladders can make a DIY job at home a far easier task and in some ways, a ladder that has given good service is more likely to be used to take a risk.

When using a ladder it is of vital importance that the job is properly assessed to ensure that firstly using a ladder is a better option. If you are working at height for most of the day or you require a larger working area at height then a scaffold tower is likely to be your better option. Secondly, it is important that the ladder you are intending to use is actually long enough for the job intended. The clips in the video clearly show the risks that people have taken with a ladder and many of these people have taken nasty tumbles which could have ended up far worse. Never ever be tempted to stand on safety rails of stepladders or the very top rung of a ladder. Always use a ladder for a proper purpose and not for carrying out stunts which often end in tears – quite literally!

Want to read more? Follow this link to read from our site –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/why-it-doesnt-pay-to-take-risks-with-ladders/

Hey All,

Do you know what the biggest step ladder you can buy is? Well read below to find out!

This is not always as simple a question as it initially seems. There are many different models of stepladder on the market, each designed for a subtly different range of purposes. Before purchasing a stepladder it is worth pausing to consider exactly what your particular needs are and then looking for the tallest within the appropriate category. The homeowner looking to carry out minor interior decorating or maintenance jobs will have a very different set of requirements to one with a large outdoor area to maintain, with uneven work surfaces and tall trees or hedges to prune. 

Stepladders are a favourite choice of many homeowners due to their versatility and ease of use. The increased area of contact with the ground gives a far more stable work area, especially in the case of models with stabiliser bars at the base. Their freestanding construction allows greater reach, particularly with double sided stepladders where the rungs on either side allow for work in 360 degrees without the need to move or re-erect the ladder during work. As they fold flat when not in use, stepladders are easy to store and transport and easy to erect and dismantle if working alone. Combination stepladders can also be opened out to form a straight one piece ladder for work at greater heights. 

Like what you see click here to read more – https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/stepladders/what-is-the-tallest-stepladder-you-can-buy/

Hey all,

Do you guys know what a extension ladder is? Now you get to find out.

What is an extension ladder? 

Extension ladders consist of a traditional runged ladder with one or two additional sliding sections, known as extensions. These can be extended to increase the height of the ladder, then secured in place with locking clamps to give a stable piece of equipment perfectly suited to the job in hand. This makes them a particularly flexible choice for the user who needs to perform a range of jobs at varying heights as there is no need to use multiple ladders, saving time, effort and money. For the user working alone only needing to transport and erect one piece of equipment is less tiring and more efficient and the outlay on is equipment is greatly reduced. Extension ladders are very useful for jobs at significant height such as clearing gutters, cleaning or decorating upper storey features or external repair jobs. 

Like what your reading? See more on our website –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/what-is-an-extension-ladder/

Most painting and decorating jobs around the house are fairly straightforward and can be easily accomplished with basic straight ladders or stepladders. Stepladders have the benefit of being freestanding, so they do not have to be leant on the surface to be decorated and are easy to move and reposition during work. The tops of walls and ceilings, particularly in modern houses, are easily reached and the double sided design gives greater stability due to increased contact with the ground. For most decorating jobs in rooms or corridors these are the only requirements the equipment needs to satisfy and for homeowners without access to multiple ladders these can seem ideal. 

However, at some point it will be necessary to decorate the stairwell and landing areas of the house and this equipment is no longer fit for purpose. Stairs present a variety of problems and hazards not encountered elsewhere in the home during decorating and more flexible, specialised equipment can be needed. 

If you like what you’re reading? Please read more on our website –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/what-are-the-best-ladders-for-decorating-stairs-and-landings/

Hey all,

So do you guys really know how to set up an extension ladder? If not read below.

Once you have assessed the project you are about to undertake and established that an extension ladder is the piece of equipment you need the next step is to set it up correctly. Most modern extension ladders are designed with ease of use in mind and if basic common sense steps are followed should present no problems for even a first time user. Since extension ladders are largely used for outdoor work there are several environmental factors to consider before erecting your ladder. 

If you are using an extension ladder for the first time, familiarise yourself thoroughly with the instructions and check all components are present and undamaged. Never use a damaged or broken ladder. If the ladder is one you have used before, check for any damage or wear and make sure the rungs are clear of any dirt or debris that could cause slipping. Always check you have the safest extension ladder for the job in hand. 

Like what your reading? See more on our website –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/extension-ladders/how-to-set-up-an-extension-ladder/

Hi all,

Do you have the right fire escape procedures?

Each and every day in the UK people are injured or killed in house fires. There are many reasons for fire breaking out in your home, these can include anything from faulty electrics to cooking being left untended.

The first obvious one (we hope anyway) is that you ensure you have smoke alarms installed in your home and they are tested regularly. *There are around 63,000 house fires every year in the UK and around 500 people are killed. Smoke alarms are of course a must in every home and they will not only alert you but will buy you valuable time if a fire were to break out in your home.

Like what your reading? Please read more here –
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/fire-escape-plan-and-alternative-escape-routes-in-the-home/

Hey Guys,

We constantly go on about safety whilst using a ladder, and this is the exact reason why!

We have said it many times but sometimes it has to come from someone else who has been in the actual situation. It doesn’t matter how many times we can say not to take risks with ladders, it takes someone with real life experience of a fall from a ladder to make the message truly sink in.

In 1993, Jason Anker went to work without a care in the world. He fell 10 feet off an unsecured ladder which paralysed him from the waist down. Now, you might be thinking this could have been far worse, however the devastating effects that have followed, and continue right up to this day will certainly make you think twice before taking a risk on a ladder.

This inspirational video is a perfect lesson to anyone who takes risks with ladders intentionally. Never take a risk doing something you know is unsafe.

Check out the video here: https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/paralyzed-after-falling-10-feet-off-a-ladder/

Hi Guys,

Ever had your ladder stolen?

Whether you store your ladder inside or outside it is important to ensure it is properly secure – both day and night. Ladder thieves are highly opportunistic and often already have their eye on what they want to steal. You can never be sure if a thief has their eye on your ladder already.

Recently the news covered a story about an extension ladder which was stolen off some scaffolding. It was secured with rope so was clearly being used on a job. Unfortunately being the evening, no workmen were present so the thieves saw the opportunity to steal it and according to the news, it has not yet been recovered.

Read more here: https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/ladders/lock-up-your-ladders/

Hi Guys,

We often talk about ladder safety whilst working, but do you know if you’re transporting ladders securely?

It goes without saying that it is essential that ladders need to be carried securely on your vehicle. Unfortunately many people are not using the best method of securing the ladder to their vehicle and unfortunately are also leaving the ladder open to theft.

Thieves are opportunist. Just like we would never leave the door to our home unlocked, even if we just pop across the road, the same approach needs to be taken to the security of your ladder. You only need to stop at a fuel station and leave your vehicle unattended for a few minutes for a thief to strike. Ladders are considered an investment to both your business and property. A decent ladder can give a lifetime of use, this makes them very desirable to thieves and unfortunately due to their nature, many people do not assume that a ladder is stolen when someone is seen carrying one.

Read more here: https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/are-you-transporting-your-ladders-securely/