Short ladders
Short ladders can be raised by one person.
Whenever you are carrying a ladder, keep the front end above head height. Turn carefully - it is not just in slapstick comedies that people get hit by swinging ladder ends!
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- Place the base against a solid surface.
| - Lift the top of the ladder and ‘walk down’ it, rung by rung and hand by hand, moving in towards the base until the ladder is upright.
| - Rest the top of the ladder against the wall or other firm surface, then lift or slide the base out to its final position.
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- Ladders are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1 measure out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up it.
Long ladders
Long ladders need two or more people to raise.
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- Lay the ladder on the ground with the base at the spot where it is to stand.
| - Heaviest person: stand at the base and put a foot on the bottom rung.
| - Remaining person/s start to raise the ladder while heavy partner reaches forward from the base and grasps the stiles (take care not to pull or strain while a back is arched, as this can cause serious injury).
| - Once the ladder is upright, ease the top to rest against the wall or other firm surface.
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Remember the rule ‘ONE OUT FOR FOUR UP’ (See Using ladders)
Extension ladders - push-up type
Extension ladders, Push-up type need two or more people for longer lengths.
A short extension (under 2 metres, or 6 ft) can be done after the ladder has been raised as for a short ladder, described above.
For a long extension of over 2 metres:
- Lay the ladder on the ground on the position to be used, then extend it to the required length.
- Raise the ladder as for a long ladder, described above.
If an extension ladder is extended, always do so before climbing it.
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