Two people are never permitted to be on a ladder at the same time under any circumstances, unless the ladder is designed specifically for two persons. A ladder should never be used on scaffolding or any other not permanent surface.
Important ladder safety standards for home inspectors include:
- Never use a ladder that is found onsite.
- Inspect your ladder for defects and or damage before each and every use.
- If a ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service immediately.
- Ladders must be free of moisture and other slippery substances on the rungs prior to use.
Small extendable ladders should be used in tight spaces such as closets for attic access. They are easy to carry, and use when space is limited. Ensure that all locks are engaged when extending for safety. Also inspect on a regular basis for safety.
Ladder safety is a top priority as it is the number one potential for injury while performing a home inspection. Regularly check the condition of all ladders, clean and lubricate for proper operation, and remove any ladder from service that is damaged.
Taking this course again as a refresher. I require all of my inspectors to retake this couse each year. there is to much at stake to forget the basics.
I recently watched a light duty ladder bend and collapse under the weight of the person on the ladder. The weight of the person exceeded the rating on the ladder. A helper was able to slow the tip of the ladder so the user could safely jump to the ground. We never know how quickly or unexpectedly accidents can happen.
I turned 60 in August last year and my pairents are now in there 80"s. What a great idea to implement the ideas in the artical “Aging in Place” The cost and comfort whould be so much better than an assisted living center. This also has great potential as another form of inspection that can be preformed.
In this picture. I noticed that the contractor was not using the the proper ladder for the job that he was performing. Also he was not using safe practices. He should have been using an extension ladder that went 3 feet above the roof. and was secured by a bungey or some other device to prevent it from slipping.
During this training section, it got me thinking of what I have out in my shed. I checked it out and found 2 ladders. one extension and one step ladder. I inspected each one and found that the extension ladder had a broken latch. I tagged it and I am checking available parts. Thanks to this training I will have safe equipment while performing inspections.
the safety on working on ladders, for example if you are working near sources of electricity, a metal ladder should be rejected since aluminum is an electrical conductor. Your body can complete an electrical circuit between the electrical power source, the ladder, and then to the ground in the event of a live wire contact incident. An electrical shock while working from a ladder can trigger a fall or cause your heart to stop leading to serious injury or death
Slipping and Tripping
Slipping and tripping are workplace safety issues in any work environment, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If there is a liquid spilled on a slippery floor, take the time to wipe it up. Keep walkways clear of obstructions. Place non-slip strips on stairways made of slippery materials to help reduce accidents. Be careful when climbing up and down ladders to make sure that you do not mis-step on a rung and slip.
In this course I learned about the different types of ladders and when it is appropriate to use different types of ladders and benefits of each.
Step ladders are self supporting, sturdy, but cannot be adjusted in length.
Extension ladders are very strong, minimal moving parts make them very durable over long term use. However they are bulky and inconvenient to move.
Folding ladders are compact, easy to carry and light, but they have more moving parts and are more prone to failure. These ladders take extra care when using them to ensure that each of the pins are locked into place before climbing.
https://www.nachi.org/bidets.htm
Bidets are becoming more common in North America and every inspector should expect to come across one at some point in time. They are used in replacement of or in addition to toilet paper. They spray water to clean the anus, or genitalia. They are not to be confused with drinking fountains or toilets themselves. They have special plumbing requirements to ensure there is no cross contamination of the supply water.
Hey everyone! I’m ready for this class! Let’s do it.
The picture I decided to use was one of my own. It’s a Little Giant articulated ladder. It is a Type 1A which means it hold a maximum wait of 300 pounds. The ladder allows me to use it as a step ladder and an extension ladder. Before becoming a home inspector, I would never use the ladder safely. I did not know that for every 4 feet of height, you have to extend on a stable ground the bottom of a ladder by 1 foot. It makes sense so that it has better center of gravity and able to hold you in a safe matter.
I decided to write on the article regarding Ladder Safety. After going through this class and reading the article, I realized that the United States is on top when comes to leading deaths by ladders. It is unbelievable that, according to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders. Also, that most deaths by ladder are from 10 feet in height. There are also nine different types of ladders but not all of them are used by
inspectors, however.
This is a telescoping ladder it’s pro series elite. The ladder will extend 15.5’ the reach is 20.5’ (based on the height of 5’6" person plus arm length.) 250lbs. duty rating. In the closed position it’s 36.5". The brand name is xtend and climb. In my opinion its a good ladder to do a home inspection for it’s compact design.
Ladders:
All ladders must be inspected prior to every use, they must be in perfect working order. Any damage, defects, oil, grease or broken parts must be fixed prior to use. Please attach a danger/ broken sign on the ladder until its fixed!
I’ve learned that all ladders must function in perfect order so that the safety of the operator isn’t a concern. Any damage to the ladder or even oil, paint or lose rung maybe a fatal defect. So inspect before use, for your own safety!
Ladder safety: Never leave a raised ladder unattended. Never climb a ladder while holding tools or objects in your hand. Never place a ladder in front of a unlocked door. Never use in windy conditions. Never use if not fully alert or physically able. Never exceed the maximum load rating. Do not skip rungs while climbing or descending.