Safety Corner: Think Before You Climb

Keep yourself and others safe this holiday season! Focus on safety when tackling tasks that require a ladder and take precautions before you climb.

GENERAL LADDER SAFETY

• Use a ladder on a stable, level surface.
• Maintain three-point contact on the ladder when climbing.
• Keep your body near the middle of the step and face the ladder when climbing.
• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder unless designed for that purpose.
• For a stepladder, make sure the base is fully open and the spreaders are locked.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Look up and around for power line locations before using a ladder.
• Always keep a minimum 10-foot distance from a power line or other electrical equipment.
• The minimum distance rule includes you, any part of your body, or any object you are holding.

Source: OSHA, American Ladder Institute, SafeElectricity