Falls from ladders are a major cause of serious injuries; therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent them. The three most important safety precautions for the safe use of A-frame ladders involve setup, climbing, and maintenance.

Key safety precautions for setting up an A-frame ladder:

• Select the Right Ladder: Use a ladder designed for the specific task, considering the required strength, type, and length. Ensure it has the appropriate load rating for the user, equipment, and materials.
• Inspect Before Use: Always inspect the ladder before each use for any defects such as missing or loose steps or rungs, damaged non-slip feet, loose hardware, or signs of rot, decay, or warped rails. Reject and tag any defective ladders for repair or disposal.
• Ensure Proper Placement: Set up the ladder on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface. Clean the boot soles of mud or slippery substances before mounting. If the surface is unstable, use a ladder equipped with non-slip feet or secure blocking.

[2] [1] [2] [3] [2] Key safety precautions for climbing an A-frame ladder:

• Maintain Three-Point Contact: Always maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. This ensures stability while climbing.
• Keep Body Centered: Keep the center of your body within the middle of the side rails to maintain balance and prevent the ladder from tipping.
• Climb to a Safe Height: Avoid working from the top three rungs of the ladder. Ensure that you have a firm handhold and that your knees are not above the top of the ladder.

[5] [2] [2] Key safety precautions for maintaining an A-frame ladder:

• Regular Inspections: Inspect ladders frequently for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay close attention to steps, rungs, rails, and locking mechanisms.
• Proper Storage: Store ladders in a dry location, protected from the weather and where they will not be unintentionally hit or damaged by people or machinery.
• Cleaning: Keep ladders clean and free of foreign materials such as grease, oil, or mud. For fiberglass ladders, clean every three months and spray lightly with a clear lacquer or paste wax.

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