An extension ladder

Tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, saws, and ladders can be used for these projects. Nowadays, telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders are very important to keeping the exteriors of a home well-maintained. The ladders of this type are very useful because you can use them to reach high places like rain gutters and second floor windows

Investing in a good and sturdy ladder like telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders is definitely something that you should consider for keeping up with your home. A good ladder will cost you some money up front, but in the long run, you will enjoy the benefits because you will no longer need to hire or rent professionals to do mundane chores, such as cleaning your rain gutters of dried up leaves.

Before you buy a ladder for your home maintenance needs, there are a few things that you would need to keep in mind while trying to decide about what type of ladder to get. The first step is to determine the size of the ladder you require. Make sure that you tell the sales clerk how many floors your house has so he or she would be able to recommend the right height.

In addition, you will need to consider where you will be storing the ladder, so you can choose between aluminum, telescoping, and fiberglass extension ladders. Both aluminum and telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders are equally durable in their own right however, aluminum can deteriorate when subjected to harsh weather and fiberglass can weaken when exposed to too much sunlight.

For this reason, it is important that you consider where you will be storing the ladder when it is not in use for you to choose the right model. You can transport mobile work platform ladders from one place to another with ease, which makes them very convenient. You don't need to carry these types of ladders around because they come equipped with wheels that allow you to just push the ladder to where you will be working.

Lastly, safety is of utmost importance when choosing a ladder. Pick a ladder that has slip-proof steps so there are fewer risks of you slipping when you are busy reaching high places like your roof or your second story windows. Also, if you will be using the ladder to fix electrical wirings and such, it is best that you steer clear of aluminum models because metals are electrical conductors and these can cause you to get electrocuted if by chance anything goes wrong.

When using an extension ladder there are five key steps to ensure that you prevent accidents, work safely and can get the job done without mishap:

Risk assessment

Risk assessments should be completed at every job where there is a risk of injury or death. When working at height they are incredibly important and in this day and age many companies won't let you on site until one has been completed. A risk assessment is just a written assessment of what can possible go wrong and how you can avert it.

Look at where you will be working, what equipment you will need and what would happen if something went wrong. Think about who else is on site that you can call for help or assist in footing the ladder to reduce the risk of falling off.

Inspection

It is always important to inspect the extension ladder to ensure it is not buckled, bent or damaged in any way, if it is, do not use it.

Erecting the ladder

Make sure the ground you are on is flat and level and that the feet of the ladder aren't going to slip. Extend the ladder several feet higher than you want to work and make sure the angle is not too steep or too shallow, 45 degrees is about right. Also, if possible get somebody to foot it.

Climbing

Always keep three points of contact on the Extension ladder as you climb. If you have to carry tools, do so in a belt and climb gently so as not to cause too many wobbles.

Working at height

Don't lean from the ladder and always ensure there are several rungs above you. Secure tools as you work as a falling item could cause injury and follow the same rules when you climb down as you did on the way up.