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Ladder Safety in Cold Weather
Working on a ladder presents potential safety risks year-round, but the likelihood of an accident increases during the winter months. Wet or frozen ground, ice or snow-covered rungs, and heavy clothing can make any job on a ladder more challenging.
According to a report from the Consumer Public Safety Commission, more than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment for ladder-related injuries every year. A majority of those injuries are caused by failure to take precautions when using a ladder during the winter months.
During the Christmas and New Year’s period, homeowners are more likely to do their own DIY or use ladders to put up festive decorations to celebrate the season. Winter weather can be dangerous for anyone working outside or at a height.
Outdoor Winter Tasks That Require a Ladder
There are plenty of outdoor tasks workers need to perform in the winter that require a ladder. These may include:
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Removing snow from the roof or outdoor storage areas such as shelving
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Hanging (or removing) holiday lights
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Updating information on signage
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Checking gutters, pipes or electrical connections
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Changing light bulbs
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Removing dangling tree limbs
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Other tasks specific to your business
Unique Winter Hazards
Winter ladder safety is not necessarily about adopting new safety habits. Instead, it focuses on being diligent about the precautions you should take anytime you work on a ladder.
For example, when the ground is covered with snow and ice, workers need to pay more attention to the surface on which the ladder is placed. They also need to check extension ladders that have been left out overnight in cold temperatures to make sure they are safe to use.
Winter Safety Tips When Using a Ladder
Climbing ladders requires both stability and balance—both of which can be compromised by winter conditions. Ladders can be unstable when set on a bed of ice or snow, so make sure the area is cleared each time a ladder is placed on the ground.
Employees wearing bulky winter clothing may be less steady than normal. They may also be tripped up by slippery conditions. Those wearing thick gloves, puffy jackets or heavy coveralls may need to temporarily shed a layer before climbing a ladder. Since boot ridges often hold snow or debris, workers must check them before stepping onto the first rung.
Be wary of ladders that are permanently or semi-permanently installed for outdoor use. A light, barely visible frost layer on the ladder may trip up a worker. Require workers to check carefully before stepping on any outdoor ladder during cold and wet weather.
Whenever possible, use alternative tools and equipment as a substitute for ladders in the winter. Cherry pickers, scissor lifts or a forklift with a work platform may be safer and more efficient. If workers must climb ladders, supply appropriate fall protection such as slip-resistant boots and ladder steps, safety harnesses or guard rails.
Ladder Safety Tips for All Seasons
Here are some additional ladder safety tips that work for all seasons:
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Avoid electrical hazards and be aware of overhead electrical lines
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Always inspect the ladder prior to using it
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Never work from the top of the ladder or the rung right below the top
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Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (e.g., two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand)
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Always face the ladder while climbing and descending
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Only use the ladder and appropriate accessories for their designed purposes
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Make sure ladder steps/rungs are free of slippery material
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Make sure the ladder is on a stable and level surface
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Don’t place ladders on boxes or barrels to obtain additional height
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Maintain proper angle ratio of a 4:1 height to base ratio
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Make sure the ladder is placed in an area where it won’t get knocked over
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Don’t exceed maximum load rating of the ladder
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Make sure extension ladders extend three feet above the point of support
CHOOSE YOUR LADDER CAREFULLY
The ladder should be long enough to reach the necessary height to complete your task safely. Check that the ladder you purchase can support your weight as well as any load you intend to haul up the ladder. Each ladder’s maximum weight capacity is rated and clearly marked.
PERFORM A THOROUGH INSPECTION
When using a ladder, you should always inspect it before using it, but this is especially important during the winter months. Before climbing the ladder, inspect it for damage, grease, filth, oil, ice, and snow.
EXAMINE THE AREA IN WHICH YOU WILL BE WORKING
Make sure your work area is free of leaves, trash, snow, and ice in the autumn and winter months, as these are the main causes of a slippery surface. Before you begin, make sure your ladder isn’t resting on any fallen leaves or frozen grass. The accumulation of ice and snow on the ground can result in uneven surfaces. Placing a ladder on a slanted surface is a bad idea. Because the risk of the ladder tipping over while climbing is extremely high, you should never place a ladder directly on top of snow or ice. If you can relocate your ladder, do so; otherwise, clear the snow or ice with a snow shovel.
USING AN EXTENSION LADDER IN THE SNOW AND ICE
Extension ladders require the support of a building or a sturdy structure to lean on. Because snow or ice on a roof can only be removed by climbing a ladder, you should proceed with caution when erecting your equipment. If you’re using an aluminium ladder, consider wearing gloves because the metal can be extremely cold and will transfer to your hands and fingers, potentially causing a loss of grip if numbness develops.
CHECK YOUR SHOES AS WELL AS THE LADDER
Make sure the soles of your feet, as well as the treads and feet of your ladder, are clean. You may have removed the hazards from beneath your feet, but have you double-checked the soles of your shoes and the ladder you intend to use? Check to see if they picked up any dirt, snow, or debris on their way to the ladder.
COMMON LADDER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never overextend yourself when working on a ladder. Making sure your belt buckle is never outside of the stiles is a good way to avoid overreaching yourself on a ladder. If you find yourself having to go above and beyond to complete a task, always work your way down the ladder and either:
- Bring the ladder closer to the workplace.
- Use a taller ladder or a different piece of equipment to complete the task safely.
With the ladder, make a 75-degree angle. It’s critical to remember the essentials at this time of year. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the winter elements and lose sight of the dangers of using a ladder or steps on a daily basis. You can refresh your memory on all of the common safety dangers and hazards by reading our previous blog posts on the basics of how to use a ladder.
STORING YOUR LADDER
When storing your ladder in a hanging position, always hang it from a horizontal position on a rack or wall mount. To avoid drooping, make sure the ladder is supported every 2 metres.
USE A SAFETY MAT
You should not place a ladder on top of snow or ice due to the lack of friction between the ladder and the surface. Ladders should be placed on a strong, level surface to ensure a firm footing. Snow is brittle and easily shifted. When placed on top of snow, a ladder may appear to be solidly in place, but as you climb up, it may shift down or to the side, causing you to lose your balance and fall.
Because ice is extremely slippery, attempting to climb a ladder on an icy surface implies that even the slightest movement could send the ladder flying in any direction. Don’t put your lives in danger! The LadderM8rix Professional has been tested on a variety of surfaces, including ice, and is designed to prevent ladder slippage.
CONCLUSION
To round up this blog post make sure that you are always using a ladder on strong story ground that does not have any ice, snow or leaves witch may cause that ground to be slippery but if this is unavoidable for any reason then we recommend using a LadderM8rix to aid in your safety.