Ladder Safety | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Ensure you are following proper ladder safety.

After a water or fire disaster, chances are you will find yourself on a ladder at some point. We would prefer that you let us assume the risk and perform the mitigation for you, but sometimes after a disaster, you feel like you need to "do something" to make things better.

We understand how our clients may feel when they begin to face damage from their water or fire loss. If you are going to get on the ladder, SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County wants to ensure you follow proper ladder safety.

We have an IICRC Health and Safety Certified technician on staff. In addition, our teams always follow OSHA guidelines to keep technicians and our customers safe.

Here are the OSHA ladder safety guidelines we follow:

• Always read and follow all labels, markings and warnings on the ladder.
• Avoid electrical hazards - Always look above the area you are working in for power lines, and never use a metal ladder when working near electricity.
• Always maintain 3-point contact while climbing - Keep either two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot on the ladder.
• Only use ladders and accessories for the manufacturers' intended purpose.
• Keep any slippery material off of ladders.
• Always fully open and lock step-ladders or other self-supporting ladders before putting any weight on them.
• Place ladders on stable and level surfaces. If the surface is unstable, secure the top or bottom of the ladder to prevent falling.
• Never place a ladder on top of boxes, barrels or other unstable elevated surfaces.
• Do not move ladders while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
• When using a ladder to reach an elevated surface, ensure the ladder extends three rungs above the surface.
• Place the ladder base a quarter of the ladder's working length from the wall or vertical surface.
• If the ladder is in an area where other work activities could move it, it must be secured to prevent displacement.
• Be sure extension ladders are properly locked.
• Never exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Make sure to factor in the weight of any tools.
• Have a second person to help spot you and steady the ladder.

Our SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County team always follows OSHA and IICRC guidelines when remediating water and fire disasters.