Using Your Ladder Safely on the Roof
This last week, we ran across a blog post talking about roof safety, and it made us think about ladder safety when working on roofs with a ladder system. Falling from a roof is one of the most common causes of ladder-related accidents. So, what can be done to prevent them? Let’s discuss everything you need to know about ladder safety and roofs.
How to Use a Ladder on a Roof
The first step is setting the ladder up properly. You want to make sure the ladder is placed at the correct angle, 75.5 degrees. You also want to make sure the ladder extends three feet above the roof line. Having it extend any more or less can lead to the ladder slipping from the roof or the operator having difficulty getting onto the roof.
Tips for Ladder Safety on Pitched Roofs
In regard to roof and ladder accidents, one of the most common places operators fall is the transition point between the ladder and the roof. So, what are some tips for decreasing the risk of this transition point?
How to Use a Ladder to Get on a Roof
There are many projects that require us working with a ladder to get on a roof. Whether you need to get up on a roof to hang Christmas lights or clean the gutters, it’s important you know the steps to handling a ladder. Follow these steps to successfully and safely manage the task.
- Inspect the ground and ladder. Gauge the angle you’ll need to place the ladder, what ladder is best, and find a ladder that’s in working condition to use. Extend the ladder and lean it against the supporting surface.
- Lock feet of the ladder into place.
- Hammer two stakes into the ground surrounding the ladder's feet. Then run a strap wrapping around the stakes and ladder.
- Climb up the ladder and when you reach about halfway, wrap another strap around the ladder and another secure object. This object can be a window or something else that’s heavy enough to support you and the ladder system.
- Then climb to the top of the ladder system and tie off the top of the ladder.
The Ladder Solution to Roof Safety
Little Giant has actually created a few solutions - the Claw, LedgeLock, and Walkthrough. The Claw is an accessory for Little Giant extension ladders. The LedgeLock connects to any building's roof, and the Claw clamps onto the LedgeLock. The Walkthrough is also attached to the top of the ladder, so when the ladder is leaned up against the roof, the Walkthrough provides stability for the operator to get onto the roof.
You can never be too careful when working on ladders but having the right ladder equipment to help you be safer is always great. Hopefully, you will remember to climb safely when using your Little Giant ladder to get to the roof.
