Climb your way to no injuries with these ladder safety tips

Many do-it-yourself projects involve climbing a ladder — painting walls, cleaning gutters, changing batteries in smoke detectors, hanging lights and decorations, changing light bulbs, installing fans and getting the kids’ basketball off the top of the flat roof.

So it’s no surprise that tens of thousands of Americans end up as LFIs (ladder fall injuries) every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Want to avoid becoming one of those LFIs? Be sure you don’t start that high-altitude job at your house when you’re worn out and tired. Climbing up and down the ladder can be exhausting in itself and, the more tired you are, the more likely you will make a mistake.

Be sure you set up a ladder that makes sense for the job you have in mind. If you’re using a stepladder, for example, you can safely reach no higher than 3-4 feet above the top of the ladder. As a general rule with single extension ladders, the highest standing level is four rungs down from the top.

Before you start climbing up on your roof or up to your ceiling, consider these other tips about ladders from various safety groups and experts:

• Check out your old ladder to be sure it’s still in good condition since the last time you used it. Watch out for cracks, splits or corrosion in any of its parts. Make sure rungs are still sturdy.
• When using a ladder the first time, read the manufacturer’s use and care instructions and always set up the ladder on a solid, dry, level surface.
• Don’t balance a ladder on top of boxes or barrels.
• Don’t over-extend your reach or climb too high.
• Don’t climb a ladder with your hands full. Wear a tool belt or have someone hand you equipment so you won’t lose your balance.
• Have someone hold onto the ladder if possible.
• Always store the ladder in a place away from excessive sunlight or possible rain.
• Never climb a ladder in flip-flops.
• Never descend a ladder facing out, with the ladder to your back.

The angle at which you place your extension ladder is important. The American National Standards Institute recommends 75.5 degrees. I know what you’re thinking: How in the world do you figure that out when you’re in a hurry to find a leak on your roof? One suggested rule of thumb that may work: Stand with your toes set at the feet of the ladder and, if you can reach your arms straight out and touch the rungs with your fingertips, you have about the right angle.

For more tips, help and information visit Arizona’s largest collection of homeowner DIY advice and information at RosieontheHouse.com.

And if you are in need of a contractor you can trust, visit our list of Arizona’s very best contractors or service providers for your home improvement projects at RosieontheHouse.com, Arizona’s most-trusted referral network.

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