Ladder Safety Tips For Christmas

As Christmas is fast approaching, holiday decorations would soon begin to light up neighbourhoods if they have not already. Some people may also clean out their gutters on the occasion of the upcoming vacation. But the matter which should concern us here the most is the amount of safety ensured while using ladders to hang embellishments on Christmas trees or eliminate dirt and debris from rooftops. Ladder-related accidents are quite common in Australia, especially in workplaces and also during the holiday season. Every year, hundreds of people suffer from grievous and even fatal injuries due to such unfortunate mishaps.

It is important to follow certain suitable safety measures while climbing up ladders, whether one is getting ready to hang decorations or clean gutters. Given below are a handful of essential tips:

Checking The Local Weather Report

Before finalising any particular day to put up the decorations, one should pay careful attention to the weather forecast reports. Standing on top of a ladder in the face of high winds can be very dangerous. It can cause the person to lose their balance and topple over. Besides that, drizzles can make the steps slippery and lead to slippage. It is generally recommended to pick a calm and dry day with gentle winds for hanging decorations.

Inspecting The Ladder Properly

It is extremely important to check a ladder properly for any faults or glitches, especially when it has not been used in a long time. Broken steps, rusty locks and worn out legs are some of the defects that one needs to look out for.

No Stretching

Although stretching can be good before beginning with the work, reaching or stretching while standing on a ladder may result in serious accidents. Overstretching can cause the whole thing to topple over, leaving the person hanging onto the roof or gutter. Using a suitable ladder safety product is essential.

Exercising Caution By Doors

While working near a door which can possibly open and strike the ladder, it is important to inform the people inside and ask them not to flung open the door all of a sudden. One can stick a post-it note on the door for reminding their family that work is going on outside.

Making Calculated Moves

Before making the next move, it is essential to properly think over what needs to be done. Sudden jerks may cause one to lose balance. The most prudent thing to do is making slow and calculated moves.