How To: Use telescopic ladders correctly
05/03/2015
Telescopic ladders are a popular piece of access equipment. They’re compact and easy to transport while still giving you the heights you need – meaning a wide range of jobs can be completed with just one ladder. But just because they’re useful and have got safety features built in, it doesn’t mean you can forget following basic safety measures yourself.
On today’s blog, we’ll be sharing our top tips of how to stay safe on telescopic ladders and how to use them correctly.
Before using your ladder
When you make your purchase, make sure you fully understand how to use the ladder and all of its safety features – that’s what instructions are for.
Upon each use, familiarise yourself with the safety features and check to ensure all locking mechanisms are properly engaged before climbing the ladder.
If you have any doubts about the safety mechanisms or any features of the ladder, don’t use it – you could risk a serious accident.
During use of your ladder
We’ve got lots of tips on how to use a ladder safely on our blog, but there are some things you must keep in mind when using telescopic ladders.
For example, you must not pull ringed locking levels or tamper with other locking levers while using your ladder. Doing so may result in its collapse.
It’s also important to set your telescopic ladder up safely in the first place. Make sure it rests on clean flooring. Never place a box or other objects under a ladder to gain extra height.
Look after your ladder
Treating your ladder with care will ensure safety features remain intact and that the ladder continues to perform effectively, year after year.
If tubes are dented and damaged in any way, the ladder may be difficult to open; unsafe to work on, and in the worst cases it may completely malfunction.
It’s also essential to keep your ladder clean, by wiping the tubes with a clean, dry cloth after use. Paint should always be cleaned off immediately, as it will impede telescoping action.
Lastly, ladders fare best in dry conditions at room temperature. Damp conditions can affect the longevity of the ladder and make it difficult to operate in the long-term.
Product recommendations
At Browns Ladders, we only stock the best in access equipment. So rather than give you a whole range of products to choose from, we stock just two telescopic ladder – both of which are suitable for a wide range of jobs.
Werner Industrial Telescopic Ladders – Available in four sizes, this telescopic ladder gives a reach of up to 7.87m when purchased in its largest size.
It’s versatile, easy to transport and can be used in four positions – as a stepladder, stairway stepladder, extension ladder and as two scaffold bases.
Zarges Telemaster Telescopic Ladder – Available in two sizes, this popular Zarges product is actually out of stock right now, but will be back in May 2015.
It’s easy to store, erect and transport around and is suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
To enquire about any of the products we’ve mentioned today, give us a call on 01282 615517