Whether you’re painting a wall, putting up shelves, or simply changing a lightbulb, a sturdy step ladder is an essential part of any DIY enthusiast’s arsenal.
That said, step ladders can be dangerous. Even a small set of steps must be used carefully if you want to save yourself a nasty fall.
To help keep you safe, here are some essential step ladder safety tips that all do-it-yourselfers should know.
Always Select The Right Ladder For The Job
Choosing the right step ladder for the task at hand is essential for your safety. Your step ladder should be tall enough for you to comfortably reach the desired point without having to overreach or lean. Standing on the very top of a step ladder also increases your risk of losing your balance and falling, so you should always ensure that your step ladder is tall enough that you don’t need to stand on any of the top three steps.
It is also crucial that you check your step ladder’s weight capacity before use. Don’t forget to factor in the weight of any tools you will be using too, as overloading a step ladder can cause it to fail or tip over, posing a risk both to you and to anyone who happens to be nearby.
You should also always consider what ladder material is most appropriate for your job. For example, if you will be working with electricity, always choose a step ladder made from a non-conductive material like fibreglass.
Always Inspect Your Step Ladder Before Use
Before every use of your step ladder, you should visually inspect it for any wear or damage that could compromise your safety. Key areas to inspect include the ladder’s stiles, feet, steps, and locking mechanisms. If you spot any bends, cracks, loose rungs, or hardware like bolts or hinges, you should not use the ladder; instead, find an appropriate replacement or complete your task once the ladder has been repaired.
Even small patches of dirt, grease, and oil can reduce your traction on the ladder and lead to accidents, so you must conduct a thorough pre-use inspection every time.
Always Secure The Step Ladder Properly
Setting up your stepladder on unstable or soft surfaces can pose a huge risk to your safety. Always ensure that your ladder is standing firmly on a solid and level surface before you start to climb and that it is set up away from any potential hazards like rugs or polished flooring—and don’t forget to check that the locking devices are properly engaged!
Never Overreach While Climbing
Overreaching, twisting, or leaning to one side while climbing a step ladder will put you at risk of the ladder becoming unbalanced and tipping over. This is why it is recommended that you follow the ‘belt buckle’ rule when ascending your step ladder. This rule states that you should keep your belt buckle—or, if you don’t wear a belt, your belly button—between the ladder’s side rails at all times. If you find yourself leaning to one side to get to a particularly tricky-to-reach spot, climb down the ladder and reposition it as needed.
Always Maintain Three Points Of Contact When Climbing
Another fundamental principle of step ladder safety is the ‘three points of contact’ rule. This rule states that you should always maintain three points of contact when using a step ladder, as this maximises your stability and significantly reduces the risk of falls from height. Preferably, this will be two feet and one hand, but if both hands are needed for the task, you can lean your knees against the step ladder as a third point of contact.
Getting your trusty step ladder out may seem like the easiest part of your DIY project, but if used incorrectly, even the simplest step ladder task can end in a serious accident. So keep your DIY endeavours successful and safe by following these essential safety tips!
