Ladder Safety

Today’s post is about ladder safety and the precautions that should be taken when handling and using a ladder. Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and moss removal are all extremely dangerous jobs, and at World Glass Window Cleaning, maintaining the safety of our technicians is one of the most important aspects of our business.

First off, our technicians inspect their ladders, confirming that they are in good working condition. If a part of the ladder is not functioning correctly that ladder will not be used.

Ladders should also be outfitted with stabilizers and leg levelers. Both of these additions to a ladder create the safest conditions for operation. Stabilizers mount to an extension ladder at the top point and are essential for working around windows or allowing access to roofs. A ladder stabilizer grips a house wall with tubular, non-skid arms that increase stability and one’s working reach. Leg levelers are attached to the bottom of the extension ladder. Each leg has swiveling rubber feet which make placing a ladder on the uneven ground safe. Each leg also can lengthen or shorten for very uneven ground. Without leg levelers, some windows cannot be reached and make it very dangerous to climb on uneven ground.

When climbing a ladder three points of contact must always be present. Either two feet and one hand must be touching or two hands and one foot. Also when ascending or descending one must always face the ladder and move slowly with deliberate actions. Haste is the number one reason why people fall.

When working from the top of the ladder we never overreach, keeping our belt buckle inside the width of the ladder. We also never stand on the top rung. Losing balance on the top rung is extremely dangerous.

Hopefully, this article has informed you on ladder safety and how World Glass Window Cleaning approaches ladder safety and the safety of our technicians.