James Nokes Editor

Come visit us at build-a-business.com (we're always adding new content) Email address: jfntci@aol.com The Cleaning Institute 955 Karol Way, #3 San Leandro, CA 94577

Each year more than half a million people need medical treatment for ladder-related injuries. At least 300 people die from these injuries. I don't know how many are cleaning personnel but I'm sure we have more than our share.

I think this is because janitors aren't thought of as needing ladders in our work unless we clean windows on multi-story buildings. But one way or another we end up on ladders: to dust walls, change and clean light fixtures, vacuum vents, etc. So we need to know how to use ladders right.

 Don't use a pint sized ladder 
 for a gallon sized job 

In technical terms, the workload, which is the combined weight of the climber and what is being carried—must be appropriate for the ladder used. If you use a modern ladder, they will have their maximum workload marked on them. If all else fails use your common sense, mentally add up the weight of the user and stuff he will be carrying and if you don't believe the ladder will support them, don't risk it.

 Always Inspect the Ladder 

It just takes a few seconds and can prevent a nasty accident or worse. Never use a ladder if it is damaged or bent. Check the steps of the ladder to make sure each step is safe, dry, and grease free. Don't trust temporary repairs of ladders. If the ladder is broken simply don't use it.

 Ladder Setup 

Just having a ladder that's safe for the job doesn't make it safe to do the job. Check the surroundings before you place a ladder against a wall. Make sure electrical wires, tree branches, awnings, and other possible impediments are out of the way. The feet of the ladder must be on stable ground, this is a problem that often comes up in new-construction cleaning.

 The Four-to-One Rule 

The bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder length. For example, if the ladder is to extend sixteen feet, the bottom of the ladder should be four feet from the wall. Also, make sure the upper and lower sections of an extension ladder overlap for additional safety.

 Don't use a ladder that's too short or too tall 

Using a ladder that is too short or too tall for the job is dangerous. Never place ladders on boxes or counter tops for extra reach. To be safe, follow these ladder length/work height guidelines:

 You're not an acrobat! 

• Do not lean over the side of the ladder or overreach.
• Always face the ladder when working.
• Do not use a ladder if you are tired, dizzy, or fatigued.
• Do not have more than one person on a ladder at a time.
• Don't go higher than the third highest step on the ladder.

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