If you’ve recently installed a loft ladder in your home to gain better access to your loft space, you will need to treat it the same way as you would any other ladder, especially when it comes to safety. Just because you’re not leaning on the side of a house, it doesn’t mean that you’re not able to injure yourself or others!
So, here we present to you the ways that allow you to stay safe while using your loft ladder…
Before you think to yourself that climbing a loft ladder isn’t dangerous just because you have seen others climbing on it, well you must not think like that because watching someone doing something and then doing it by yourself is a different thing. Now consider the conditions that you might find yourself in. Firstly, the space in which you have to access your loft may be limited, meaning you have to take extra precautions when entering and exiting. Secondly, you may be carrying heavy and awkward items, meaning your focus is taken away from how you’re climbing up and down, and lastly if your loft ladder isn’t new, it may have become inadequate.
These three things alone, which are more common than you think, mean you have to be extra careful when using the loft ladder. So, step one of ensuring you remain safe when accessing your loft is to ensure you have a suitable ladder in the first place!
Installing the right loft ladder
Grabbing any old ladder from the shed and setting it up under your loft may seem like the easy option, of course, it will help you save your money but remember one thing, buying something new which you can use for years is way better than buying something cheap which will not live that long and you have to spend on its maintenance often. When it comes to accessing your loft, we’re here to tell you that it’s not a good idea to have a cheap and old one, as this can be very dangerous. Especially if any of the three conditions above are present.
Fitted loft ladders present by far the simplest and safest way to get into your loft. These are installed directly into your loft’s hatch and are available to use instantly, meaning you won’t have to go searching for a ladder in the garage or shed.
There is also a wide variety for you to choose the best loft for you which includes sliding ladders, concertina ladders, and staircases. You not only get an option in choosing ladders but you have a variety of choosing ladder material as well. So, no matter what your preference is, you are sure to find a particular ladder that suits you and your loft.
Once you have decided on which fitted loft ladder you’d like to install, you should now take time to learn how to use it properly so you won’t hurt yourself. Here are some tips for you to follow!
Loft Ladder Safety Tips
- Inspect your loft ladder and hatch before using your ladder to ensure there is no damage to either
- Ensure three points of contact are kept on the ladder at all times – either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand
- Do not attempt to climb up or down the ladder with items that are too heavy
- Do not overreach while using the ladder
- Ask for assistance if you are struggling to get an item up or down the ladder
- Always wear appropriate footwear to avoid slipping
- Keep vulnerable people such as children and the elderly, as well as pets away from the ladder when you’re using it
By following all of these steps, not only will you ensure your safety and the safety of others, but you will also help to keep your loft ladder in tip-top shape for as long as possible!
