How to Select a Ladder for Your Construction Site?
Introduction
Ladders are known as the best tools for any kind of construction site or a daily job. They allow the users to climb a few feet from the surface and perform their job rightly. On the other hand, if they can’t bear the weight of the user, it will be a threat to life. So, it is important to come with the right kind of ladder that would meet the current needs of your construction site.
- Select the Proper Ladder Material
While going to select the ladder, you need to think about the material in which your ladder has been made. There are mainly three basic materials being used to make ladders. These are wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. It is true that wood is popularly used now these days and fiberglass or aluminum ladder will be the perfect choice for maximum jobs.
One thing is to keep in mind that aluminum ladders are lighter and quite easy to handle. This ladder is a perfect choice if there are no electrical sources that are available in that construction area. If there are any exposed electrical wires, that may cause huge damage to both life and property of the user. So, it is important to choose the metal ladder eyeing on the work environment. Metal conducts electricity and it could result in a nasty electrical shock. It sometimes threatens life. So, never use metal ladders when you are working with any electric project. In this case, a fiberglass ladder is a best-suited option. They are mainly used by the electrician.
- Select the Proper Ladder Height
To make sure that you have chosen the right ladder for your needs, you need to follow the safety tips. According to experts, extension ladders should be from 7 feet to 10 feet longer than the highest support or contact point which may be the wall or roofline. This will allow users for proper setup, the overlap of the ladder sections, height restrictions of the highest standing level, and where appropriate the proper extension of the ladder above the roofline. The highest standing level is four rungs down from the top.
According to experts, the highest permitted standing level on a stepladder is two steps down from the top. If a person will stand on maximum height, chances are, he may lose the balance and fall. A user can reach up to 4 feet height more than the ladder height and it is safe for him. So, it is essential to come up with the right ladder height that will suit your requirement.
- Duty Rating
After the height of the ladder, it is time to come up with a weight that the ladder can bear. Ladders are rated to properly indicate the maximum load capacity. All while using the ladders on the worksite; they must have a duty rating sticker on the side. Duty ratings are varying; they are available from light duty to extra heavy duty. One thing is to clear that; your workers need to be advised to keep their body weight in mind while choosing the right ladder.
Ladders are also made to meet the requirements in different applications. For instance, a ladder used frequently on a construction site with rugged workers, and they should typically be stronger and have a corresponding higher duty rating compared to a ladder used by lighter persons for the light chores around the room. Workers should be advised to properly consider the weight of both ladder and themselves while selecting them. Experts recommend using the Slimline aluminium platform ladder for getting the right outcome.
- Consider the Style of the Ladder
There are huge different types of ladders available in the market. So, while you are going to choose the ladder, consider their style that will meet the job. There are a number of ladder types available in the market that will suit your requirement and if you choose any wrong style ladder, it may ruin your entire project. Sometimes, the wrong ladder will attract unnecessary accidents and they can reduce the functionality too. So, it is important to come with the right kind of things that are always making a great contribution on the basis of functionality. There are different types of ladders available in the market. These are including platform, telescoping multi-ladder, twin step, tripod, scaffolding, and different models. Make sure that you have the right kind of ladder that is meeting your requirements for the construction job.
Conclusion
Ladders are the most important accessories for construction and another job. It is important enough to come with the right kind of selection process while choosing the perfect ladder for your own. Once you have selected the right ladder, you can easily perform your job at your site. So, never underestimate the ladder-type, capacity, and style while going to choose one.
