How to Buy a Ladder That Best Fits Your Needs

Need a ladder but don’t know what to purchase? Not to worry! Industrial Ladder provides a few helpful tips in helping to select the right ladder for the job that you need it for. Don’t invest into something that won’t fit the purpose you intend it for, buy a ladder that you know will fit your needs for years to come!

Selecting the Proper Ladder Type

There are a few different types of ladders to choose from for specific jobs that ensure your safety and provide efficiency. Choosing the wrong ladder for the job could put you at risk for falls or injury. Types of ladders offered through Industrial Ladder include:

Step Stools- These ladders offer two or three rungs, or steps, to provide you with minimal height to perform tasks inside the home. A great tool to have around the house, they are lightweight and easily portable. Check out the options available in terms of weight capacity and accessories on our website.

Step Ladders- For inside and some outside jobs, a step ladder can be utilized. This is your average A framed ladder that is relatively lightweight and easily transportable by one person. They can help with a number of different tasks and offer heights from 6 to 10 feet, depending on the brand. These require a stable level to prevent falls or injury so they cannot be used on unlevel surfaces, awkward areas, or on stairs. Most models offer a tool tray to hold paint cans and can fold up for narrow storage. Check out our website to look through the number of step ladders that all have different options that may work for you.

Multipurpose Ladders- These ladders are either an A-frame type with an extending ladder in the middle to add the option for more height or they offer extensions on their footing to allow for awkward angles and stair placement. Most models reach up to 14 feet, but there are larger options available. They are relatively heavy and larger models may require two men lifting for use. If you want a ladder that can do it all, a multipurpose ladder is right for you. Check out the number of options on our website for different heights, brands, and features offered in a multipurpose ladder.

Extension Ladder- For outside jobs like roof or landscaping work, you may need to reach staggering heights. No other ladder is going to give you the ascension of an extension ladder. These ladders do not incorporate a two-sided design like the step ladder. Instead, they are a single sided ladder that extends from two or three different locking sections, depending on the height offered. These sections can be collapsed for easier transit and storage, but do require a larger storage space than your average step ladder. A number of different accessories can be added to an extension ladder to increase safety and provide helpful alternatives. Check out our wide variety of extension ladders on our website.

Buy a Ladder with the Right Performance

Now that you have an idea of what types of ladders you can choose from, you have to determine what kind of performance you want it to offer. What height are you needing to reach? If it is a high up area, consider that your extension ladder must be 7 feet longer than the point at which it rests on the structure. If you think a step ladder is right for you, remember that 4 feet higher than the ladder’s height are the farthest reach considered safe. With performance, as well as height, you will have to consider the weight capacity. How much are you going to have to carry and how much do you weigh? The ladder that you select should meet these criteria in weight capacity. Remember that ignoring safety precautions like height requirements and weight capacity could put you at higher risk for falls and injury.

Buy a Ladder of the Right Material

Now that you know which type of ladder you want and the performance requirements that it needs, you will have to decide upon the material. Aluminum ladders are lightweight and usually more cost effective, but they do conduct electricity. If you are planning to work around electricity, a fiberglass option will work best. The material is noncorrosive for a long lifespan and does not conduct electricity. Drawbacks of fiberglass are its weight and higher cost than aluminum.

Ready to buy a ladder for your job and needs? Visit our website to view our entire collection or give us a call at 1-800-833-0800 to speak with an experienced staffer at Industrial Ladder.com!

 

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Using a Ladder Stabilizer for Extended Reach and Safety

What is an Extension Ladder Stabilizer?

Many individuals owe their lives to a ladder stabilizer they may have used on a high up job. A ladder stabilizer, or ladder standoff, is a useful tool that is attached to the top ⅓ of an extension ladder that extends out horizontally and grips to the structure that a worker is ascending. Its name describes its useful characteristic as it keeps a ladder stabilized during use offering added safety. There are a few benefits to owning a ladder stabilizer that any owner of an extension ladder should consider.

Ladder Stabilizer Safety

Ladder falls account for hundreds of death in the United States alone yearly. Every ladder use puts your higher at risk for a fall, especially if you are not taking the proper safety requirements necessary. Extension ladders can get up to 40 feet high, and a fall from that height is a sure tragedy. High winds can come out of nowhere and if you are 40 feet up in the air, there may be no way other than down if winds decide to pick up while using your ladder. That’s where a ladder stabilizer comes in for safety. Providing added support for both the bottom and top of your ladder during use, you are less likely to have a slip using extension ladder use.

Additional Benefits of the Ladder Stabilizer

Although safety is its most important and useful feature, the ladder stabilizer also provides alternatives to using your ladder and offers extended reach during awkwardly positioned jobs. A ladder stabilizer can help with:

High Windows: For the exterior job next to a high window like painting or siding work, you won’t just be able to set your extension ladder on the window since it is likely to break. Instead, a ladder stabilizer offers the alternative option to be spread along the width of the window and rest on the external wall of the structure to provide balance and support.

Exterior Overhangs: Resting your extension ladder on the structure of the house may not provide you with enough extension to reach the overhang of the building. Utilizing a ladder stabilizer gives you that extra space from the structure so that you can have a better angle and reach to the overhang.

Gutter Systems: Resting a ladder on a gutter system may do it more harm than good. A ladder stabilizer allows you to rest your ladder on it so that you can safely and effectively reach gutters at a better angle.

Using a Ladder Stabilizer Safely

Although they are intended to provide additional safety during ladder use, a ladder stabilizer can jeopardize the safety of a project if it is not used correctly. The stabilizer should always be installed in between the structure and ladder so that the ladder may rest on the stabilizer. Articulating extension ladders may not be compatible with most stabilizers as they are developed differently. Always match the brand of your ladder with the brand of your stabilizer to make sure of compatibility. Never place your weight or any other object on the stabilizer during use. Also, get help when extending your ladder with added stabilizer so that proper placement and safety are in effect. Install your stabilizer as the manual instructs for best safety precaution and easy installation.

Ladder Stabilizers from Industrial Ladder.com

Werner Extension Ladder Stand Off- This adjustable ladder stabilizer is compatible with all Werner extension ladders. With three different options, there are sizes for any job that you may need a stand off to perform. These stabilizers are easily installed and made of aluminum for lightweight use.

TeleStep Ladder Stand-Off/Tool Tray- This stabilizer is compatible with TeleStep extension ladders for use on inside or outside corners. It can also be used as a tool tray accessory. Surface is anti slip and durable to offer safety.

Stop by our website to view all of our extension ladder accessories that make your ladder experience easier, safer, and more convenient! Have any questions about our service or products? Give us a call so that one of our experienced staffers can assist you today at 1-800-833-0800.

 

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Best Practices this Spring for Cleaning a Roof

Winter is winding down, and your roof may have taken a few snow storms or winter rains throughout the past few months. As freezing weather dies down and spring starts to emerge, your roof is likely to bear evidence of the past few months. Springtime is a great time to decide on cleaning a roof since there is less chance for slips from ice. It’s also right after the winter months that may bring about damage caused by snow or ice. Waiting to or neglecting cleaning a roof after the winter months may result in expensive repairs and heating bills. Before cleaning a roof this spring, keep in mind a few tips provided by Industrial Ladder.

Safety First

First thing’s first, if you are going to climb on top of a roof, you will need the proper equipment. Werner ladders provide the most safety of any ladder on the market, which is why they are the leading seller for industrial uses. If you own a ladder that is damaged in any way, you will need to replace it before scaling a structure to clean a roof. To view our selection of Werner ladders, please visit our website. Additional to a means of getting on the roof safely, you will need safety gear while you are on the roof itself. For the most optimal roofing safety, invest in a harness system. A fall protection kit is everything you need for roofing safety, including a roofing bracket, lanyard, harness, and lifeline. Using a safety harness allows for you to use both hands while cleaning a roof and the ease of mind of knowing that if you do fall, your safety is ensured.

Inspection

Before cleaning a roof, you must first inspect it for damage. Look for anything that could damage the membrane of your roofing or anything that has already produced damage. If you notice damage like holes in your roofing, use a roofing service to provide repairs. Do not attempt to walk on your roof if there is any visible damage or if you do not have roofing safety gear.

Remove Waste

Once safety measures are ensured and inspection have been completed, you can now remove your roof of any debris or waste that could potentially cause harm to the integrity of the structure. This includes tree limbs, trash, branches, leaves, or anything else that may penetrate the roofing membrane upon movement. If there are tree limbs touching the roof, be sure to trim them so that they no longer slide across the surface of the roof, potentially penetrating the membrane or ripping off shingles. Piles of leaves and sticks can hold in moisture, allowing for drainage and damage to the roof. Make sure that while you are cleaning a roof you also pay attention to the debris located in the gutter system. Remove waste found in the gutters to allow for correction of roofing runoff from rain and snow.

Cleaning a Roof

Now that you have the right safety gear, means of ascension, proper inspection, and removed roofing debris, you are ready to clean the roof. A great way to rid roofing of mold, moss buildup, and dirt is a pressure wash system. Each local municipality will have different laws for roofing cleaning measures, so check with your local department to see what your options are for cleaning a roof in your town. If you are unsure or incapable of cleaning your roof yourself, invest in a team of roofing cleaners that are professionally trained for the task.

Roofing Tools and Fall Protection

Industrial Ladder provides many different selections of roofing fall protection and tools on our website. Check out our inventory of materials that you may need for your spring roof cleaning right on the internet. All of our products are shipped to our customers, so once you order your roofing equipment will arrive shortly and your roof cleaning project can begin! Have questions about our products or services? Give us a call today at 1-800-833-0800.

 

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Investing in Attic Access with Fire Rated Safety

Although each town and city has its own coding requirements, for many it is mandatory that if residents own a house with a garage and wish to access their attic from it, their attic access must be fire rated. The entire garage should be fire rated, and if you have a garage that is such, a non-fire rated attic access would compromise the fire protection of the entire structure. For example, if there were to be a fire that was started in the garage, it would travel up the non-fire rated attic access and expand to the rest of the structure from the attic. To keep your house and family safe, protecting your attic access with a fire rated stairwell is necessary, and Industrial Ladder can provide that safety for you!

Rainbow ProTech Series Attic Ladder

This attic access ladder provides 30 minutes of fire rated protection with a 2” powder coated steel door. There’s also a built-in 2” steel trim, so no additional molding is necessary. It reaches from 8 to 10 feet in length, providing the standard measurements in garage attic access ladders. Additionally, it has the ability to hold up to 350 pounds of pressure, making it possible to carry virtually any object into your attic area. Weather stripping prevents any water or air from escaping or entering and protects the life of the product. For added safety, toe grips, an all steel single piece handrail, and a melamine finish frame are included in the design. Installation is made easier with specialized steel hangers. Stairs are accessed by a pole and hook system and a side spring allows for stairs to raise and lower. To view measurements and other features of this fire rated attic ladder, visit our website.

Fakro Fire Rated Attic Ladder Ceiling Height

This wooden door fire rated attic access ladder is qualified to withstand a fire for up to 30 minutes. This is due to its heavy duty construction, 1 ⅜” thick insulation, and expandable fireproof gasket. It is available in many sizes ranging from 7’2” to 10’1”. When closed, the hardwood surface is aesthetically pleasing, showing no hardware and providing the option to be painted. The locking hatch is made almost invisible, hiding within the construction of the product. It opens and closes with a metal rod, which is included with purchase. The attic access is extra wide and the ladder can withstand up to 300 pounds of pressure, so it makes storage easier moving up and down the ladder. Also included is a red metal safety railing that is installed on the upper ⅓ of the device. Length adjustments are supported with this model, so there’s no need to worry if you think this ladder may be too lengthy for your attic access. Each step provides anti-slip grooves for added comfort and safety. To view all options for sizing and view this product, visit our website.

Fakro Scissor Style Fire Rated Attic Ladder

If a telescoping attic access ladder is what you need or desire, this is the product for you. With a 2 ⅓” thick white finished door, you not only have protection from fire, you have insulation that helps to reduce energy costs. Length options are from 10’10” to 10’6”, but adjustable springs allow for the drop distance of the ladder to be changed when the locking latch is released. The side scissor design doubles as a handrail, taking up less space than the average attic stair. The entire product comes fully assembled, so installation is easy for anyone. Instructions are included, but very minimal tools are required. When not in use, the hardware is hidden to the eye in the closed position.

Attic Access Ladder from Industrial Ladder

Wish to see our entire line of attic access ladders? View our website to choose from a number of different brand names and products available for shipment directly to your door. We provide only the best products rated the highest in safety to ensure our customer satisfaction. Have any questions about the products and services that we provide? We would be happy to help answer any questions or address any concerns! Call us today at 1-800-833-0800 to speak with an Industrial Ladder team member today!

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Make Transit Easier with Ford Connect Accessories

If you own a Ford Connect, the chances are that you purchased it to be used as a work vehicle. With its large storage area and its sleek design, it meets the needs for both aesthetic and useful characteristics. But to get the most use out of its design, Ford Connect accessories from Industrial Ladder can help provide added storage and security.

Ford Connect 2014+ Wall Liner Package

If you travel with large equipment, liquids, or any other material that could possibly harm your vehicle interior, you may want to invest in a wall liner. This gray textured composite material is scratch resistant and reflects liquid for easy cleaning. It also provides added insulation to block sounds. Both passenger and driver wall liners are available and the package includes installation hardware and instructions.

Slick Locks Ford Connect Accessories

Want to enforce the security that your Ford Connect offers? Slick lock is an easy to operate and install locking system for both hinged and sliding doors. They are weather and drill proof to keep even the most unwanted of guests from entering your vehicle. Furthermore, they don’t require any damage or produce any corrosion upon installation, so they can always be removed or replaced.

Topper Rear Door Ladders 

If you need roofing access to your Ford Connect, we offer a selection of topper rear door ladders that are made of steel, plated with zinc, and powder coated with a gray finish. This prevents rusting and corrosion and encourages a long life of offering simple ascension on your work vehicle.

Adrian Steel Company Tank Racks and Wire Reel Holders

Work with refrigerant tanks or cable? Adrian Steel develops tank racks and wire reel holders for installation in your Ford Connect! The tank racks come in four different options for sizes and amounts of refrigerant tanks. The racks are designed to be installed next to the side or rear vehicle doors for easy access. The racks can hold both 30 and 50 pound tanks, depending on the rack, vertically to provide more storage for other equipment. The tanks are constructed of 14-gage tubular steel framing and heavy-duty nylon straps to hold the tanks into place. For an extra cost, you can invest in a storage tray that rests above the rack to offer extra space. Adrian Steel wire reel holders are available in four different options to provide a selection on size and number of reels that can be held during transit. They are also constructed of steel and available for installation near doors of the vehicle for easy access to cable.

Adrian Steel Van Cabinets

Tank Cabinets- For safe and reliable transport of gas, CO2, and propane tanks, the tank cabinet can help. Includes a full door gasket with two latch attachments, vented flooring and tubing for fume exhaustion, and a cabinet cradle with nylon straps for safe holding. Can store 20,30, or 50-pound propane tanks, 20 pound CO2 cylinders, and a Mapp gas tank of 6 ½” diameter measurements.

Wheel Well Cabinets- This storage cabinet is designed to slip over the wheel in the cargo area of your Ford Connect. Makes for a great wheel enclosure and also a flat surface to stack other storage drawers and cabinets. Locking system available for added security.

Cabinet Lockers- These cabinets have full doors that lock for added security. They provide two size options, a 46” three shelf system and a 33” two shelf system. All shelves can be removed and replaced for storage of larger items.

Need Ford Connect Accessories?

If you like any of the Ford Connect accessories that are described in this article, they are all for sale on our website. Check out our whole line of products for options in other vehicle accessories, ladders, scaffolding equipment, roofing tools and safety equipment, brake sliders, ladder racks, truck boxes, and more! All of our products are shipped directly to your home or business for added convenience. Have questions about any of our products or services? Please give us a call today at 1-800-833-0800.

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Werner Specialty Ladders for Help with Special Projects

Not all job requires a standard step ladder. The Werner ladder company understands that its customers have to complete a number of different tasks, so they have come up with a number of specialty ladders that adhere to odd jobs. These ladders make the most awkward situations and tasks more doable since they are each mindfully designed to accomplish what they need to. Industrial Ladder offers Werner specialty ladders to aid with specific jobs and tasks where other ladders are deemed useless.

Werner 7800 Series Combo Fiberglass Ladder

This specialty ladder can be used as two types of ladders; a step ladder and an extension ladder. Its design allows for its versatility, providing a weight capacity limit of up to 300 pounds. As a step ladder, the biggest model stands at 8 feet tall. As an extension ladder, the biggest option reaches a height of 13.5 feet. The step ladder formation features include a steel bracket that locks the ladder into place, a wall bumper surface protector and step rungs that are assembled riveted at four points to allow for replacement. The extension ladder features include a padded top v-rung for optimal comfort while working, rubber covered molded end caps to prevent scuffing, a nylon coated rung (step) sleeve that makes extending the ladder smooth and easy, fixed aluminum lock bearing plates to provide durability and security during use, slip resistant rungs, and extra large molded slip resistant rubber feet.

Werner SPF Series Fiberglass Straight and Tapered Posting Ladders

These two ladders are designed to reach heights up to 20 feet with the tallest option. The difference in the two is the straight and tapered sections located at the top of the ladder. As the straight ladder stays the same width the length of the ladder, the tapered option lessens in width the top ⅓ section of the ladder for narrow areas. Both of these ladders feature a constant stress hook that distributes the weight of the ladder entirely on the two rails of the ladder. These stress hooks have passed OSHA’s 5000-pound stress test, so they are designed to uphold even during the biggest of jobs. Each rung includes bracing on either side for added support and includes a dimpled tread step pattern that reduces water and debris buildup and provides slip resistance. The bottom of these ladders includes the Edge bracing system that reduces stress build-up on the rails of the ladder and provide ultimate stability.

Werner E7400 Series Extension Trestle

These Werner specialty ladders are step ladders with an extendable middle section that can be lifted to provide a single ladder reaching beyond the height of the step ladder. Contrary to the combo fiberglass ladder listed above that switches from a step ladder to an extension ladder, this ladder is always a step ladder, it just has the extendable ability in the middle section much like an extension ladder. At it’s highest option, the step ladder reaches 16 feet high, while its extendable section can reach up to 26 feet. Additionally, this ladder is qualified to carry weight up to 300 pounds. Features of these specialty ladders include a heavy duty aluminum top on the step ladder, slip resistant traction rungs, heavy duty external spreaders that stabilize the ladder, riveted shoe pads to prevent slipping and damage, state of the art bracing system to increase rail support, extra wide knee braced rungs, and a spring loaded mechanism that makes use of the extension part easy and smooth.

Werner FTP Series Fiberglass Tripod Specialty Ladders

This tripod ladder allows for placement at busy areas where a standard step ladder wouldn’t be able to fit comfortably and safely. Do you often find yourself needing to use a ladder in tight spaces? Then this is the specialty ladder for you. With a 300-pound weight capacity and a height of up to 12 feet, it can be used for most jobs. The front section is fully braced to provide ultimate support while also providing an external rail shield to protect against abrasion. On the back leg, back up braces ensure all connections are sturdy.

Wish to view all these specialty ladders and more Werner ladder options? View our full inventory to find the ladder that best suits your needs on our website! Have any questions or wish to place an order over the phone? Call us today at 1-800-833-0800.

 

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Construction Site Safety Stats: Preventing Workplace Injury

Working in construction can be a great learning experience and often a good paycheck. But many miss out on the experience of learning a trade and providing for their families because they do not pay attention to construction site safety procedures, and end up either getting seriously injured or die. Paying attention to construction industry safety statistics allows us to be reminded of the dangers of working in construction so that the correct safety measures are taken and no worker is injured or killed on the job.

Construction Site Safety Statistics

The United States Department of Labor has dedicated a department to work safety entitled the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This government organization makes sure that companies in the construction business are adhering to job site safety procedures and is also the reference to the statistics reviewed in this article. Reported construction related injury and death statistics reported by OSHA include:

• 4,836 job site deaths in the year 2015
• 93 job site deaths a week and 13 job site deaths every day in the year 2015
• 17% of job site deaths in 2015 were contractors
• 937 job site deaths were construction workers
• 364 of those 937 construction deaths were due to falls
• An average of one construction worker a day died due to falls in 2015
• 90 of the 937 construction deaths were due to being struck on the head by an object
• 81 of the 937 construction deaths were due to electrocution
• 67 of the 937 construction deaths were due to being stuck between structures, machinery, or equipment

Most Frequent OSHA Regulation Injustices

The OSHA is put into place to regulate safety measures that need to be taken to prevent injuries and death in the workplace. They provide inspections and violation orders to job sites that are at a higher risk for workplace injury and death due to misinterpreting or violating OSHA regulations. Identifying where others go wrong could help you determine what you should be doing to pass an OSHA inspection and prevent horrible injury and death on your job site. The most common OSHA regulation violations include:

• Construction fall protection safety
• Standard construction site safety requirements through communication
• General construction safety requirements for scaffolding use
• Protection of the respiratory requirements
• Requirements of controlling hazardous materials
• Industrial truck safety requirement measures
• General ladder safety requirements
• Machine use and guarding safety requirements
• Equipment use, wiring, and safety procedures for electrical work
• System design safety of electrical work

Preventing an OSHA Violation, Injury, and Death

Getting an OSHA safety violation may be aggravating, but having an employee get seriously injured or die due to neglecting safety requirements is even worse. The OSHA inspections are put into place to motivate business owners to educate their employees on OSHA safety procedures, and to adhere to them themselves. Infact, since the OSHA has come into play over 40 years ago, jobsite statistics have went from 38 deaths per day in 1970 to 13 per day in 2015. Safety procedures are not put into place to make your life more difficult, they are there to save your or an employee’s life! Don’t be another statistic, keep safety your number one priority on the job!

Fall Protection Construction Site Safety Requirements

Since neglecting fall protection and ladder falls are on the list of most violated requirements placed by the OSHA, it is important to purchase equipment that will be within regulation standards. Industrial Ladder provides fall protection for construction, climbing, positioning, and retrieval. Full harness kits or individual accessories can be purchased according to your needs. These safety materials not only make it safe for workers to perform tasks at high areas, but also allows them to have use of both hands while working. Additional to fall protection gear, Industrial Ladder provides a wide selection of ladders for a number of different tasks. To prevent electrocution while climbing, we offer fiberglass ladders that do not conduct electricity. Whether you need to replace a damaged ladder or ensure the safety of your employees by providing them with a more stable ladder, we have an option that will fit your needs.

To view our safety products and ladders, visit our website today. Have any questions about our products or services? Feel free to call us at 1-800-833-0800 so that our knowledgeable and experienced staff can assist you.

 

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