Every year, thousands of workers and homeowners fall off stairs and are at risk of serious injury. In some cases, the result of a fall is brain damage or death.
Ladder safety is often neglected due to complacency and familiarity. While it is true that your experience will help you maintain your balance on a ladder, you must remember that accidents can happen and change your life in seconds. And hence, using a roof ladder access at height safety is paramount.
What is a Roof Ladder?
You would have often heard about companies emphasizing or promoting using a roof ladder access at height safety. It is a roof ladder is a hanging ladder with a ridge hook on the opposite side of a pitched roof. The bearers carry the ladder under the face of the stair climb, and this ensures that there is sufficient distance between the ladder and the top to hold a stiff arm and leg.
Working on the roof is dangerous; one in five deaths in construction work is related to roofing work. Not just homeowners or maintenance people who are cleaning and inspecting the roof. Professional roofers are also killed who fail to adhere to roof protection procedures or do not use proper roof protection equipment. Such as working on the top without scaffolding. And in all these cases, using a roof ladder access at height safety will prevent in the occurrence of such accidents.
Some Key Points To Consider When Using A Roof Ladder Access At Height Safety
1. One person at a time.
Do not double the risk when using a roof ladder access at height safety. Only one person uses a ladder at any one time. If two people are needed to reach an access point, you may need a more complex height protection setup - a ladder may not be the best tool for the job!
2. Three points of communication.
Ladder safety is a well-known and non-negotiable rule maintaining three points of contact at all times. This means two arms and one leg or two legs and one arm; sticking to the communication rule points will help keep you safe.
3. Do not stand on the stairs.
Standing at the very top of your stairs is incredibly risky. It is recommended to stay at least 900 mm away from the top of the stairs and not stand on the top three parts of the stairs.
4. Do not lean or reach away from the stairs.
Accidents often happen when looking for something away from the stairs. This action can disturb the center of your balance and cause you to fall.
5. Ladder safe.
When using an extension ladder, you must secure the ladder. To do this, hold someone down the stairs when you get up and tie the rope.
6. 4: 1 rule.
The 4: 1 ratio rule indicates that you need to move the ladder one meter away from the structure's foundation for every four meters of height.
7. Assess the hazards around you.
Before finishing any construction or maintenance work, you should evaluate your surroundings for potential hazards. For example, does the ladder have a powerline or a door, and does the staircase have a secure foundation that cannot be slipped?
Comments