Whether we are changing the guttering or replacing worn out fascias, many of us use ladders from time to time. For even the keenest DIY enthusiast, however, one is never entirely certain of ladder safety. With this in mind, hopefully the following guidance might put your mind at ease, as well as potentially stop any accidents from happening.
First of all, you will never be safe on a ladder if the actual ladder isn’t safe in the first place, which is why you should treat any ladder purchase as an important safety decision. When choosing a ladder, always ensure first of all that it meets the required British standards, and also beyond, i.e. you should also be inspecting for corrosion, sharp edges or obvious bending, which could potentially lead to safety issues later down the line. More obviously you should also ensure that your ladder is able to do what you want it to, and is long enough for a variety of jobs – whether you are installing cast iron guttering or fascia boards. Overreaching on ladders is one of the main causes of accident.
Which brings us on to our next important consideration – am I comfortable using a ladder? For example, if you are repairing fascias near your roof, it’s no good if you have a sudden attack of vertigo. When using a ladder, be aware of your limits.
Another thing to remember when utilising a ladder is to never lean your ladder on an unsteady surface. For example, if you are changing your guttering make sure your ladder rests on the wall rather than on the precarious plastic guttering.
