Getting the best out of your ladders this Christmas

The festive season is a busy time for ladders – we’re putting up lights, decorations, and angels on trees. Like any time of year, safety is all-important – from picking the right ladder for the job to using your ladder safely. With this in mind, we’re sharing all our top tips for staying safe throughout the festivities.

Sourcing the decorations: Use a purpose-built ladder

If, like most, you’re planning on decorating your home this Christmas, you may need to collect decorations and your tree from the loft. To ensure safe access into your loft space, it’s worth using a purpose-built loft ladder that has been properly installed. We recommend our Lyte 3 Section Timber Easiloft Ladder. As always, check your loft ladder before use, especially if it’s wooden, as the quality may have deteriorated over the last year.

Putting up the decorations: Use a good quality ladder

Whether you’re popping the fairy on top of the Christmas tree or hanging festive lights from your home, safety should come first. For work outside, such as hanging Christmas lights, we recommend a good quality aluminium extension ladder like our Lyte DIY Double Extension Ladder. It’s also important to make sure your ladder is placed on firm, level ground to prevent it slipping.

Indoors, we recommend the use of a good step ladder like our Werner Blue Seal Aluminium Platform Steps. While it may take a little more effort to set up, a step ladder is much safer than a kitchen chair or stool. If you plan on using your ladder for some time, choose a platform step ladder. Platform step ladders are a much safer and more comfortable option for those working from a height for longer periods of time.

Holiday DIY: Choose the right access equipment

The festive season is ideal for getting stuck into some DIY. With one to two weeks off, there are plenty of projects that can be completed inside and outside the house. Whether you’re cleaning the gutters, decorating a room or putting up new shelving, it’s important to pick the right product for the job. As a homeowner, you’ll probably find our Kick Steps, Step Ladders, Loft Ladders and Extension Ladders most useful.

The ultimate checklist for ladder safety this Christmas

Whatever jobs you’re doing this Christmas and whatever projects you have in mind, make sure you keep these holiday tips in mind:

1. Always choose the right height access product for the job
2. Always check the feet and make sure any rubber non-slip feet are in good condition
3. Carry out a pre-work assessment of your ladder, checking for rust, corrosion or any other type of damage
4. Make sure all locking mechanisms are in good working order
5. Finally, when setting up your ladder, always make sure it’s secure and placed on firm level ground

Don’t forget to shop our Accessories too, to ensure optimum safety when working from a height.

Enjoy!

What home or DIY projects do you have planned for this Christmas? Let us know over on Facebook.