Figure 4-12. Painter's trestle
e. Ladder Care and Safety. You must keep ladders clean and free from dirt and paint. Protect
wood ladders against weather with coats of shellac, varnish, or linseed oil. Do not paint wood ladders
because it would hide any obvious defects. Before each use, you should ensure that the locking devices
are secure on step and extension ladders. When ladders are not in use, store them in a sheltered, well-
ventilated place that is away from weather elements. To prevent warping, hang ladders on brackets by
the ladder's side rails. Observe the following additional safety precautions when using a ladder:
Do not use a stepladder as a substitute for a workstand.
Always face the ladder and hold on to each side rail when you are ascending or
descending a ladder.
Rope off the area around the ladder, fasten the ladder securely, and assign a man to
steady the bottom of the ladder when the security of a ladder is endangered by other
activities.
Block off the doors and route personnel to another exit when you use a ladder in front of
doors that open toward the ladder.
Do not leave an erected ladder unattended for any length of time; instead, take the ladder
down and lay it on the ground.
Stand no higher than the third rung from the top when working on a ladder.
Do not attempt to reach beyond your normal arm's length while using a ladder.
Do not allow anyone on the ladder with you. If the work requires additional help, the
helper should get another ladder.
EN0562
4-8
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