When we are focused on a project that requires a ladder, we often assume that the ladder itself is built for our maximum ladder safety. And most of us who have used a ladder understand the basics of doing all we can to keep an extension ladder safe: set the ladder at a 75 degree angle with the ground, do not over reach and always climb with three points of contact. Yet many well-intended ladder climbers still face grave risk by overlooking one, simple fact: A ladder must be on solid footing at the base in order for it to be truly secure. And rarely is the ground we must place our ladder’s feet on perfectly even and level! In fact, only one inch out of level at the base of a 28 foot high ladder puts you 17 inches off center at the top! If you are climbing a ladder on uneven terrain, a non-level or slanted surface, the ladder’s safety and integrity becomes seriously compromised. Here are five reasons why you should use ladder levelers anytime you are up on a ladder.
#1 A WIDER FOOTPRINT PROVIDES INCREASED LADDER STABILITY
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 53 percent of extension ladders had not been secured or braced at the bottom, when they studied 1,400 ladder accidents. Ladder levelers increase the width at the base of the ladder, providing a wider footprint and increased ladder stability.
#2 IMPROVISING WITH BLOCKS OR WOOD INCREASES CHANCE OF FALL
The website, Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, lists not using ladder levelers as one of the four main reasons for ladder related accidents. Placing items like blocks or wood under the ladder makes it even more unstable and is not recommended under any circumstances.
#3 THE LADDER’S FEET MUST BE SAFELY SECURED
A ladder must be on firm, level ground in order to ensure ladder safety. But this is often not feasible. According to ANSI, The American National Standards Institute, “the base of the ladder should be safely secured to prevent accidental movement.” Adding ladder levelers to the bottom of an extension ladder levels the ladder, which is critical!
#4 NOT ALL LADDER LEVELERS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Dynamite Ladder Pro ladder levelers are built to high ANSI approved standards. With the largest footprint in the business, these ladder levelers provide ultimate stability, durability, longevity and ease of use. Their footprint’s large cleats doesn’t catch up small, loose debris, making them easy to clean and use in any application.
#5 YOU’LL ONLY USE THEM IF THEY ARE EASY TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
Ladder levelers are essential to keep you safe up on your ladder, but installation must be reasonable and timely. Dynamite Ladder Pro ladder levelers are simple and quick to install, getting you up and running safely and efficiently and keeping you that way for years to come.