{"id":37918,"date":"2023-11-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tbdavies.co.uk\/?p=37918"},"modified":"2023-11-07T09:53:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T09:53:04","slug":"how-to-stay-safe-this-christmas-working-on-a-taskmaster-ladders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tbdavies.co.uk\/2023\/11\/how-to-stay-safe-this-christmas-working-on-a-taskmaster-ladders\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stay Safe This Christmas Working on a Taskmaster Ladders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Stay Safe This Christmas Working on a Taskmaster Ladder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

#STAYSAFETHISCHRISTMAS<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with festivities, decorations, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. One of the first jobs of the festive season is to get the holiday decorations out, and decorate your home ready for Christmas. When it comes to exterior decorations, many of us dust off the extension ladders ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly, but safety should always be at the top of the tree for priorities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for using extension ladders safely during Christmas so you can enjoy your festive decorations without any mishaps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Choose the Right Ladder:<\/summary>
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Inspect Your Ladder:<\/summary>
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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 \u2013 it’s time to replace or repair it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check the Weight Capacity:<\/summary>
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • EN131 Non-Professional (for domestic use only)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • EN131 Professional (intended for use in a workplace, although it can be used in a domestic setting too)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    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)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Set Up on a Stable Surface:<\/summary>
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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    View all accessories for Extension Ladders.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Use Proper Angle and Locks:<\/summary>
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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Maintain Three Points of Contact:<\/summary>
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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Don’t Overreach:<\/summary>
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    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Be Mindful of Weather Conditions:<\/summary>
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    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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Have Somebody Help:<\/summary>
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    Having someone foot the ladder, and being available to help pass tools or decorations up to you can help keep you working safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    #STAYSAFETHISCHRISTMAS<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    As you celebrate the holiday season, remember that ladder safety is an essential part of the equation. By following these tips, you can stay safe while decking the halls and creating a festive atmosphere for your family and friends. Extension ladders are versatile tools that can help you create a winter wonderland, but they must be used with care to ensure a merry and injury-free Christmas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    TB Davies offers an extensive range of ladders & step ladders, but choosing the right product for you can be difficult. If you’re not sure, please get in touch with us today or fill out the form below, and we will be happy to help you.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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