How to Use Ladders Safely in Your Cleaning Business

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Steve Hanson

When you're in the cleaning business, chances are your employees will need to use ladders for some of their cleaning tasks. Whether it's to wash windows or to dust a hard-to-reach ledge, training your employees to use ladders safely is very important if you don't want them to fall. The following are tips for using ladders safely:

Use a ladder that is the appropriate size for the task at hand.
Use ladders that are in good condition. Check rungs to make sure they are secure and check your shoes for grease and grime, and clean if necessary.
Never use a metal ladder when working with electrical fixtures.
Stepladders should be opened fully with spreaders locked in place. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
Use both hands when climbing a ladder. Keep your weight centered between the rails and do not overreach on either side.
Carry tools and window washing equipment on a tool belt.
When working at heights exceeding 6 feet, have a second person hold and steady the ladder. Ladders should not be stored where they present a tripping hazard, nor where they can fall on people.
Ladder angle - one foot out for each four feet of ladder working length.
Always use a ladder or footstool on a flat, stable floor.
Never stand on chairs, desks, boxes, books or other objects to reach up high.
Never lean or reach to one side of the ladder. Instead, get down and move the ladder.
Use caution cones when working in areas where there are a lot of people.

You may also be interested in the following:

Janitorial Employee Safety Program

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