Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
March marks National Ladder Safety Month, and the Las Cruces Fire Department is urging both contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts to prioritize their safety when using ladders and other elevated platforms.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that nearly half a million people in the U.S. suffer injuries from ladder-related accidents annually. Many of these incidents can be prevented by adhering to fundamental safety guidelines.
The key recommendation is to select the appropriate ladder for each specific task. Step ladders, extension ladders, articulated ladders, and elevated platforms like scaffolding serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
The fire department offers several safety tips:
- Follow all instructions and safety recommendations provided by the ladder’s manufacturer.
- Avoid using a ladder if you are unfit, injured, on medication, or under the influence of alcohol or substances that may impair balance and physical abilities.
- Set up ladders on flat, stable surfaces free from clutter.
- Do not exceed the load rating for any ladder.
- Refrain from climbing above the recommended height limit for a ladder.
- Maintain three points of contact while on a ladder at all times.
- Limit items carried up or down a ladder to what’s manageable.
- Use a spotter or someone who can help stabilize the base of the ladder.
- Avoid leaning or reaching away from atop a ladder as it could become unstable.
- Never leave a ladder unattended; children might be tempted to climb it, or high winds could cause it to fall over.
- Stay clear of electrical lines or power sources when climbing.
Ladders should never be stacked or arranged beyond their designed limits.
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