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Step By Step: Choosing the Right Type of Ladder for Electrical Jobs
There are various types of ladders available, but for electrical jobs you should not use a metal ladder. The ladder for electrical jobs should be made of wood or fiberglass. Ladders are used by electricians both for inside and outside electrical jobs. Ladder safety basics are important to keep in mind. The footing should be level and secure and the locking safety arms make a ladder safe to climb.
Locking the ladder gives the climber total safety of climbing those steep steps. Step ladders have two locking arms so that the ladder legs do not close. Extension ladders are divided into two parts. The lower portion has the feet and the upper portion has plastic end caps or wings which can be fixed to a pole or a building. There are spring-loaded arms in the upper portion which lock the lower section and prevent the top portion from sliding.
Put up the ladder on level and solid ground, and make sure that the surface is solid. If the surface is uneven, use boards or timbering to level the base. When you climb the ladder, never work from the last step of the ladder. If electricians are working with power tools, it can be dangerous and they can be thrown off the ladder, especially if the full weight shifts to one side. Also, look around if there are any hidden dangers around the ladder like obstacles. There could be electrical wires, a beam or a pipe, which should be either avoided or conveniently removed. Take somebody’s help to stand at the foot of the ladder for your safety.
There are three kinds of portable ladders: industrial, commercial and household ladders. The industrial ladders are heavy-duty ladders and can bear a lot of weight. The commercial ladders have a medium load capacity and the household ladders are simply light-duty. For maintaining your safety and the electrical safety of your home, remember to always be properly equipped before embarking on any electrical project. Professional electricians can tell you more.