Good Ladder Storage and Maintenance Habits Matter!

Ladder accidents are no joke. In fact, the CDC reports that there are over 100 fall-related ladder deaths a year in the United States. No one should use a ladder without the proper knowledge on how to use and take care of one. Taking proper care of your home or work ladder can help reduce the risk of these fall-related injuries. Proper care means keeping good ladder storage and maintenance routines. Review these tips for ladder storage and maintenance to possibly save your life.

Ladder Maintenance Procedures

Firstly, never use a ladder without inspecting it first. If there is any damage to any part or any pieces missing, replace the ladder or use another. Make sure all parts are secure and installed correctly before trusting your weight to it. Reduce the risk of falls by eliminating any oils, grease, or water that may be on the ladder before use. Also, if your ladder has ever been exposed to fire or hazardous chemicals, replace the ladder, as it is likely to be defective. Keep up with all slip resistant surfaces like the footing and rungs (steps) so that no unnecessary slips are to happen during ladder use. Lastly, before exerting your weight, make sure that your ladder is placed on an even surface that will not move under pressure, ensuring that your ladder will not slip from underneath you during use.

After you have inspected your ladder and utilized the proper use following safety requirements, you will have to maintain it so that damage doesn’t occur during storage or otherwise. While conducting a maintenance routine on your ladder(s) if you find that one is damaged, remove it from your inventory to prevent an accident waiting to happen. If you have a ladder made out of a wood material and you utilize it outdoors, the wood should be treated with a clear finish or preservative to reduce the chance of rot. Do not paint your wooden ladder; only use a protective finish product. If you have an extension ladder with a pulley system, routinely lubricate it for a longer life. Do not use a rope that is fraying or damaged in any way. Additionally, lubricate metal bearings of your ladder steps to reduce the chance for rusting. Again, if you find that your ladder is missing parts or has damage while performing inspection or routine maintenance, REPLACE IT!

Ladder Storage Procedures

To store a ladder properly, invest in wall mounts to keep them off the floor. To keep the ladder from collapsing or sagging in any place, make sure to place amount every 6 feet horizontally on the wall. Keeping your ladder stored off the floor will keep it from any potential damage due to rising water or other elements that may come into contact with it during storage along with providing it with the correct support while not being used. Additionally, designate your ladder storage area in a place that is protected from outside weather. Also, make sure that your storage area is not exposed to too much heat or any chemicals that could wear the material of the ladder. Place your stored ladder in a reach that is easily accessible so that placement and retrieval are made easy and safe. While storing during transit, utilize a vehicle ladder rack, which is available for both van and truck options at Industrial Ladder.com. This will ensure that no damage will happen to your vehicle or your ladder while you transport it. Make sure that if you are bringing a very long ladder to storage, like an extension ladder, you use the help of another person and always use proper handling techniques.

Buying Ladders and Ladder Racks Online

Find that you have a damaged ladder while performing routine maintenance or inspection before use? We can help you out! We provide a number of different top name brands of ladders and ladder accessories at affordable prices. Additionally, all of our inventory is available for shipment right to your door. If you need a way to store your ladder during transit, we have options for ladder racks that fit a number of different vehicles. Wondering if we have one that suits your needs and vehicle type? Check out our website to browse all of our options; there are many!

 

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