Click here to watch the introduction video
There are so many important jobs that take place around a home that require the use of a ladder. However, we all know that any time you step on one you are taking risks, unless you observe and adhere to ladder safety rules.
If you look up ladder safety on the internet you can find so many rules it makes you want to give up and call in an expert, but you know the basics.
- Always have someone working with you when you are on a ladder. To help position the ladder as well as support the ladder while you are climbing and working.
- Inspect a ladder before using it to make sure it is in good condition.
- When you set up your ladder, be sure it has good footing, in other words, that it is on level ground and steadfast, not wobbly.
- Wear non skid shoes when climbing and hold on with both hands. Don’t try to carry heavy loads up or down a ladder – it could put you or the ladder off balance.
- NEVER reach from a ladder. It’s the number one cause of falls. A good rule of thumb is to keep your belt buckle within the area of the ladder rungs. Stop being lazy, climb down and move the ladder!
This ladder platform is a great way to safely reach higher walls, high windows, gutters and more outside your home when the ladder needs to be placed on outdoor stairs or an unlevel surface like a slope.
It is very simple to build using materials that most folks have lying around their garage or shop. Here are the basic steps, but the full instructions can be accessed on our website by clicking here.
You will need the following materials: MDF or plywood, pine board, a circular saw, a miter saw, a drill with bits and a driver, screws, a level and a tape measure.Here are some basic steps, but the full instructions can be found in our shop projects section under large projects at www.mattandshari.com.
STEP ONE: Measure the width of three steps, which will be the measurement for the length of the platform. Place a level on the top step of the three and measure from the back of the top step to the outer edge of the third step down.
STEP TWO: Place the tape measure on top of the third step and measure the distance to the bottom of the level, making sure to strike level. This will be the height of the legs for the platform.
STEP THREE: Use a circular saw to cut the platform out of MDF or plywood. You can cut the pine boards for legs and support boards to length with a miter saw or circular saw.
STEP FOUR: The drill will help you create pilot holes and screw the legs and support pieces in place. As you can see, there are additional support pieces so the platform can hold the weight of the ladder and YOU!
STEP FIVE: Attach 1” x 2” pine boards along the outer edge of the platform on three sides. This stops the ladder from sliding off the platform while you are moving around on the ladder. Use wood glue and screws to secure.
Most IMPORTANTLY – as is pictured in the first photo, the ladder is placed from side to side on the platform, NOT back to front! Notice too that it is safer when the ladder platform is placed under a top step to keep it from tipping forward. It can also be used with closed risers, just make sure you place the platform firmly against the riser and place the ladder closer to the riser than the edge of the platform. Your weight will hold it in place.
By the way, once your neighbors know you have built one of these, they will be borrowing it, so make sure that it is within easy reach!
Matt
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