Unfortunately not many people who are required to work on building sites or in industrial situations have the perfect environment. Many have to function in hazardous situations which can include working on oily or slippery surfaces or even outdoors where the elements can increase the risk of slipping.
If you have any concerns about your ladder slipping or when working in a particularly hazardous environment, it is advisable to invest in an anti slip mat that can provide the perfect foundation for using a ladder.
If you have any concerns about your ladder slipping or when working in a particularly hazardous environment, it is advisable to invest in an anti slip mat that can provide the perfect foundation for using a ladder.
Simply by placing the mat under your ladder, you can increase the grip and reduce the chances of your equipment moving.Tying the top and bottom of your ladder to a fixed object can also increase stability. It is possible to buy a ladder stand off which can be fitted and keep the entire equipment in place, or you can use ropes tied from the stiles of the ladder to provide added security.
When working on grass or a soft surface, attaching stakes to the foot of your ladder will ensure it cannot move. If you are worried about sinking, a ladder stabiliser will stop additional movement and give you a more solid foundation for your job.
Getting the angle of your ladder right can also reduce the risk of slipping. Use of most double and triple ladders is based on the 4:1 ratio. This means for every 4 feet your ladder goes up the base should go out by 1 foot. This ratio creates the perfect 75 degrees angle at the top of the ladder which provides the safest position for working at height.
Though many workers still feel that the easiest way to keep from slipping is to simply ask a person to 'foot' their ladder, i.e. stand at the bottom and keep it still, this puts a lot of pressure on the person you ask and increases the risk of an accident if their concentration wanes or they simply get called to another job.
Using solid and reliable equipment is going to give you a much more consistent result and keep your ladder exactly where it should be.
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