Thursday, December 17, 2015

By John Voket Whether you're rushing to hang a few holiday decorations, or planning a few outdoor DIY chores involving climbing this winter or spring, consider making a resolution to follow the necessary precautions to guard against injury or worse.

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), holiday decorating mishaps send more than 15,000 people to local emergency rooms during the last few weeks of the year, one-third from falls.

Furthermore, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) estimates that another 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are also reported annually, with half of those injuries involving fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords.

So with safety in mind, let's review these ladder do’s and don’ts - courtesy of the CPSC:

• Always select the correct ladder for the job - one that extends at least 3 feet over the roofline or working surface.
• Always place your ladder on level and firm ground. Use leg levelers under the ladder to level uneven or soft ground.
• Make sure the ladder can support both your weight and the load you are putting on it by checking the ladder’s maximum load rating.
• Make sure your straight and adjustable ladders have slip-resistant rungs.
• Set up straight, single or extension ladders at about a 75–degree angle.
• Don’t use a metal ladder near power lines or electrical equipment - stick with wood or fiberglass ladders in these situations.
• Check all rung locks and spreader braces on your ladder to make sure they are set.
• Have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.
• Keep ladders away from a door that can be opened.
• Center your body between the rails of the ladder at all times. Leaning too far to one side while working is a no-no and can cause you to fall.
• Do not stand on the top three rungs of any ladder.
• When you’re done with the ladder, put it away immediately. Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

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