Fortunately most home repairs we will work on will not include an extension ladder. This post is for the exception, and written intentionally during the Christmas light hanging season. Extension ladders are probably the most deadly tool you have in your possession. The CPSC says that misuse of ladders cause 164,000 emergency room visits per year. Here are some quick tips to keep you safe during the holidays.
1. Always inspect your ladder before you use it for loose bolts, cracks, breaks, missing parts, etc….
2. Inspect the area you will be placing the ladder footing and where it will land on the house. Remove all loose rocks, boards, and other trash from the ground in the area where the ladder feet will be. Make sure the area where the ladder will be landing on the house will be level and secure.
3. Make sure you will not be lifting the ladder into any electrical wires connected to the house or anywhere you will be using the ladder.
4. The distance between the foot of the latter and the object you are scaling (your house) should be one quarter the length of the height you are climbing. This will cause the ladder to make a 75 degree angle. ** Tip** Place your feet at the foot of the ladder, raise your hands strait out to the ladder you should be able to just barley grab the ladder. (This too should make the ladder at approx. 75 degree angle).
5. When working on the ladder, keep your belt buckle within the outside braces of the ladder when reaching with your hands.
6. Do not stand on the top three rungs of the ladder. Stepping on the top few rungs can make the bottom of the ladder jump out.
7. If you need to level the the ground, use sturdy bracing to shim the ladder legs like; 2×4s, 2×6s, or plywood.
8. Attempt to have someone holding the bottom of your ladder at all times while you are on it. If this is not possible, you can get a sand bag and place it on at the feet of the ladder. When you are working over grass, use the grass spikes on the feet of the extension ladder (most new ladders have these).
9. Make sure the braces that hold the two extension pieces together are completely engaged and functioning properly.
10. If you are working in front of a door, make sure to block it off in some way (lock it, put a sign on it, or put a chair in front of it).
11. When you are going onto the roof, make sure you pass the edge of the roof by at least 3 feet (or anything you are climbing onto).

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