Inspecting your roof is part of the routine maintenance that every homeowner should undertake to preserve their roof and maximize its potential lifespan. One of the most effective ways to inspect your roof is to get on top of your roof and take a look around. To get on your roof, you will need to climb a ladder.
However, there are over 160,000 accidents every year that land Americans in an emergency room after a fall from a ladder. Even more startling, roughly 300 people die annually from falling from a ladder, and the majority of these fatal falls occur less than ten feet off the ground. These statistics demonstrate the importance of safe ladder practices to avoid the danger of a fall.
The roofers from Cincinnati Roofing have gathered a few helpful tips for how to safely climb your ladder that can help you stay safe while inspecting your roof.
The Three-Point of Contact Climbing Technique
The American Ladder Institute recommends that anyone using a ladder use the three-point of contact climb. Simply, the three-point of contact climb requires the person using a ladder to always face the ladder while touching the ladder in three places simultaneously.
This can be achieved by keeping two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder. Moreover, while climbing a ladder, the climber should avoid sudden movement in favor of slower more deliberate movements. Also, climbers should keep their center of gravity (belt buckle) between the side rails of the ladder for improved balance.
Finally, do not hold any tools or other equipment in one of your hands while moving up and down the ladder. Compromising even one of your hands can drastically increase your chances of losing your balance and falling.