Use of Stepladders
- 1). Inspect the stepladder prior to using it. Check each step of the ladder to ensure the grips are intact to prevent slipping. Wipe down the grips if they appear soiled or slippery. Check all moving parts of the stepladder to ensure they work properly. Look at the feet to make sure they are tight on the bottoms of the stepladder legs.
- 2). Check the surface of the ground or floor where you must set the stepladder to ensure it is level and free of obstacles or debris.
- 3). Open the stepladder to its widest position. Lock both spreaders between the front and the back of the stepladder by pushing them down until they click into place. Place your hands on the stepladder and attempt to rock it back and forth to see if all four feet are firmly contacting the ground or floor. The stepladder should not rock at all when you do this. If the stepladder rocks, try adjusting the placement of the ladder on the ground. If you cannot prevent it from rocking on the ground, you may have to place a sheet of plywood on the ground surface and set the stepladder on the plywood for adequate stability.
- 4). Position the stepladder at a right angle to your work and within 2 to 3 feet of the work area to prevent you from having to overreach away from the ladder.
- 5). Stand squarely facing the steps of the stepladder and climb up the ladder while facing it and holding on with both hands. Do not climb higher than the third step from the top (this step usually has a label on it warning you not to climb past this point). Never climb or stand on the top two steps of the stepladder because of a lack of stability.
- 6). Climb back down the ladder while facing it and holding on with both hands. Reposition the ladder from the ground and never while on it.
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