How to Stay Safe This Christmas Working on a Taskmaster Ladders

The first step in ladder safety is selecting the right ladder for the job. An extension ladder is often the best choice for decorating your house exterior, but the first check should be that the ladder is the right size, and in good condition.

If you haven’t got an extension ladder, we highly recommend the TB Davies Taskmaster Extension Ladder; with a popular choice being the 3.0m Triple (storage height), which extends to 7.0m and can reach the gutters on a typical two storey UK house.

Before using your extension ladder, give it a thorough inspection, looking for signs of damage, such as bent rungs, cracked feet, or loose screws. Ensure that all the locks and safety mechanisms are functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, don’t use the ladder – it’s time to replace or repair it.

Every ladder has a specified weight capacity, which you must be aware of. This includes your weight, the combined weight of any tools equipment you are using on the ladder, and any applied loads such as the pressure of a drill into a ceiling. If the total combined weight approaches or exceeds the ladder’s capacity, consider an alternative to access the area, or a stronger ladder.

There are two ladder standards to look for: EN131 Non-Professional & EN131 Professional; both standards have a maximum load rating of 150kg (23 and a half stone in old money).

• EN131 Non-Professional (for domestic use only)
• EN131 Professional (intended for use in a workplace, although it can be used in a domestic setting too)

Your ladder should be labelled with the standard it has been manufactured to, however the labelling often wears over the years making it unreadable. To find out more, click here: (standard post on TB Davies)

The stability of your ladder depends on the ground conditions, and the resting surface that the ladder is leaning against. Always set your extension ladder on a flat, level surface. If you’re working outdoors, be wary of uneven terrain, like grass or gravel. You may need to use ladder accessories to ensure stability.

View all accessories for Extension Ladders.

When extending your ladder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the correct angle, usually about a 70 to 75 degree angle. Ensure the locks and braces are secure before climbing.

One of the cardinal rules of ladder safety is always to maintain three points of contact. This means that when climbing, both your hands and one foot or one hand and both feet should be in contact with the ladder. Use a tool belt or have a helper hand you the decorations to keep your hands free to grip the ladder.

Overreaching while on a ladder can lead to loss of balance and accidents. Always keep your belt buckle within the ladder’s side rails. If you need to access an area beyond your reach, climb down, move the ladder, and then climb back up.

When planning your Christmas decorations, you need to be aware of the weather forecast. Where the weather is not conducive to safe work at height, don’t take the risk. Rain, snow, ice and wind can making climbing a ladder a precarious job, so save the work for a day when the forecast has improved. Well fitting gloves are also a good idea, you need your hands to grip securely, and when they have been chilled holding onto a metal ladder, your ability to grip will be severely reduced.

Having someone foot the ladder, and being available to help pass tools or decorations up to you can help keep you working safely.