Who Ensures That Ladders Are Sturdy And Dependable?

If you are planning to work on some improvements in your home, one of the things that you will need is a good ladder. But did you know that ladders come in all shapes and sizes? Among these include the industrial ladder and the aluminum ladder. Despite the many differences among these ladders though, there are some requirements that each one must adhere to. This alone is a big contradiction to many people's idea of a ladder. To help you with your tasks at home, you will need to know what type of ladder you will need.

On a daily basis, it is common for people to need the help of a ladder so that they can finish their tasks. Not only are these ladders a big help to household chores, some people also use them as part of their job. While they really can be a big help, they can also be very dangerous once they are not used properly. For this reason, the companies who manufacture these ladders need to pass some specific regulations before they are permitted to sell them to the public.

As mentioned, ladders are available in different shapes and sizes. Apart from this, ladders are also being manufactured in different types of materials. This is so they can accommodate the needs of people in just about any industry. They are being used at home, work, and even in fire trucks. Since ladders are able to extend to incredible heights, it is necessary that they pass the standards that have been set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

Without the standards provided by these two organizations, the safe usage of these ladders cannot be depended on. As a matter of fact, the National Safety Council has been able to pinpoint that unstable ladders are part of the leading causes of fall related deaths and also how people use the ladders. For example, both feet should be on the rung and never stand on top. Most of these accidents are also due to the improper use of portable ladders. This is why the OSHA has been able to set some specific regulations for the production of portable ladders.

There are two main types of portable ladders. The ones that are made from wood and those made from metal. Although these two are portable ladders, the OSHA has set specific guidelines for each of these ladders. Independently, the production of these ladders must adhere to the standards set according to the OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.25 and 29 CFR 1910.26. The first one is addresses the production of wood ladders with regards to the material, application, construction requirements, ladder usage and care. On the other hand, the 29 CFR 1910.26 regulations are for the production of metal ladders.

So the next time you buy a ladder, make sure that it passes the standards set by these organizations. By making sure you buy a ladder with these regulations, you are allowing yourself to be taken care of by the company who manufactured the ladder and for your own protection. This also means you value your safety.