Lesson 5: Ladder Storage and Handling

Lesson 5: Ladder Storage and Care

• Return ladders to the storage area after use.
• Store ladders where they are protected from the weather.
• Support ladders horizontally on racks or mount on the walls.  To prevent sagging, support the ladders every 2 m (6 ft) as shown in the picture to the right.
• Keep ladders clean and free from foreign materials
• Ensure that the storage areas are easy to reach.
• Keep wooden ladders in a well-ventilated location, away from dampness and excessive heat.
• Avoid long overhangs, beyond the support points, when transporting ladders on vehicles. Mark ladders with a red or orange flag.
  
• Pad racks on vehicles with soft material, to reduce wear and road shocks.
• Tie ladders to each support point to reduce damage.
• Tag and remove from service, a defective ladder for repair by a person authorized by the manufacturer, or replacement.
• Grasp ladders near the centre when carrying them.
• Use a partner to help carry long or heavy ladders.
• Use caution when carrying ladders through passageways, doorways or any place where your view is obstructed.
• Ensure that you and your partner are on the same side when carrying a ladder.  Stay in step.  Work out, in advance, any hand or voice signals to coordinate stopping or changing direction.
• Do not hang ladders from rails or rungs.
• Do not store materials on ladders.
• Do not expose fiberglass ladders to excessive temperatures (above 93 degrees C or 200 degrees F)
• Do not hold the front of ladders at head level when carrying them.
• Do not use a ladder which has been exposed to heat or fire.  Inspect visually, and check for its strength characteristics.
• Do not expose plastic-reinforced ladders to excessive sunlight.  Ultraviolet light may cause the plastic resins to degrade. If the strength of the ladder is questionable, replace the ladder.