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__Ladder Safety __

Ladders can be dangerous if you do not know how to use them properly. Many, many people fall from ladders, resulting in severe injuries, and sometimes even death. However, these accidents are avoidable, if you know to properly use a ladder. Most accidents are caused by carelessness or improper usage of ladders. When you use ladders there are certain things that you have to remember.

For Example:


 * Make sure that you have placed your ladder on a flat and stable surface.
 * Check that the surface that your ladder is standing on is clean and not slippery
 * Always check a ladder for cracks, splits and breaks, before you use it. (especially wooden ladders)
 * Keep the rungs of your ladder free from slippery substances such as paint, grease, mud and paper.
 * Be sure that the braces, or any other locks, are locked down before climbing.
 * Always face the ladder, and use both hands, when climbing up and down.
 * Always keep a three point contact when climbing up or down the ladder. (two hand & one foot/ two feet & one hand.)
 * Never go over the maximum load rating of a ladder. (Including the weight of tools or other equipment.)
 * Do not overreach, or lean too far to one side on a ladder.
 * When using metal ladders check for exposed electrical wires or equipment
 * Do not walk under ladders when someone is on them. This is because you might jog or move the ladder, and something might fall on you from above.
 * Always have someone holding the side of your ladder when it is in use, to stabilise it.
 * In a theatre, make sure that the ladder leading up to the catwalk, or any other area, is well lit.
 * If there is a railing on the ladder, make sure you use it.
 * When putting up scenery, change the position of the ladder if you need to, get down and move it to where you want it.
 *  When using tools, ask someone to hand them up to you, do not try and climb the ladder, balancing your tools, because this may result in fall.

Bibliography:
 * Brouhard, Rod. "Ladder Safety - Ladder Safety Tips - Safe Ladder Usage." __About.com First Aid - First Aid & Safety Tips for Emergencies or Everyday__. 23 Sep. 2009 .
 * "Portable Ladder Safety Tips." __Occupational Safety and Health Administration - OSHA HOME PAGE__. 23 Sep. 2009 .
 * "eLCOSH : Ladder Safety." __eLCOSH - Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health__. 23 Sep. 2009 .
 * "ladders999 - Ladder Safety Guide." __ladders-999.co.uk - probably the widest choice of ladders, steps and towers in the U.K.Â -Â alloy ladders, glassfibre ladders, roof ladders, telescopic ladders, loft ladders, combination ladders, ladders accessories, steps, alloy stepladders, glassfibr__. 23 Sep. 2009 .

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