Have you been in a situation where you need to hold a ladder for someone, but you were not sure what to do? Well, there is a technique for everything. And while handling a ladder, safety is first. Therefore the next time someone tells you to hold on to a ladder for them, you need to do it correctly. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to hold the ladder precisely.
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Proper Holding Technique
When holding on to a ladder for someone else, make sure that the ladder is appropriately placed on a plain surface. It is better to hold on to the ladder from the other side and not from the side the person is climbing on. Once you go to the other side, do not try to lean into the ladder.
Make a V shape with your feet and keep them a few inches apart. Grip on the sides of the ladder properly. It’s better not to hold on to the handlebars because if the person has to climb down suddenly, it might injure your hands. After you get a good grip, ask the person to start climbing. Also, tell them not to grab the beam where you have placed your grip.
After they have climbed, make sure you do not let go suddenly since the person might get scared. While you are holding on to the ladder, do not get distracted, and keep holding on tightly and firmly. Try not to hold the ladder from the side as this might disbalance the whole ladder, and if the person falls on the side you are holding on to, everyone can get hurt pretty badly.
Other Options
It is probably better to not hold a ladder in the first place. In case you move around for some reason, the ladder can get displaced. Modern ladders do not need someone to hold on to them. They are designed so that a person can get off and get on by themselves.
Another thing you can do if you are not comfortable holding the ladder is to secure it to an anchor point. This almost always works well and can easily be done using ropes or wires. You can also fix hooks and secure the ladder to that as well. Ladders are also available in stores, and you can get one ladder mat to get a bit more traction. The ladder mat makes sure there is more friction, and the ladder does not slip.
A great thing is to use a ladder stability device. These are also available easily and latch on and have locks placed so that the ladder is unable to move. Welding something underneath the ladder will also work, and the feet of the ladder won’t be able to move forward or slip.
Conclusion
Now you know the proper technique for holding a ladder. Make sure you hold on to it correctly and do not get distracted in the middle. It is important to keep everyone’s safety in mind while handling a ladder and even more if you are holding it for someone since their safety is also in your hands.
