If all you need to do is change a light bulb or reach something on a top shelf, it can be tempting to just grab the nearest chair and climb on top to give yourself that extra height. However, chairs and stools are not designed to be stood on and are therefore unlikely to be strong or stable enough to take your weight. While clambering onto a kitchen chair may seem easier, the risk isn’t worth it. Step ladders are worthwhile investments that will make your DIY tasks much less dangerous!
Why is standing on a chair dangerous?
Chairs are designed for sitting, not standing. By standing on a chair, you not only change the chair’s centre of gravity, making it more likely to tip, but you also put additional weight and pressure on individual points of the chair compared to sitting. This can affect the chair’s structural integrity, causing collapse.
A fall from a chair, even if it’s only a couple of feet, can cause a variety of injuries, from minor bruises and scrapes to serious fractures and head injuries. It’s never worth the risk of hurting yourself; even if you’re only standing on the chair for a couple of seconds, that’s all it takes for a serious accident to happen.
Why are step ladders better for the job?
Unlike chairs, step ladders are designed to be stood upon and feature a wide range of safety features such as wide, non-slip steps, rubber feet, handholds, locking mechanisms and more. Step ladders are engineered to distribute weight evenly, keeping you centred and balanced so that you can focus on the task at hand.
Chairs also tend to be too short or too tall for most DIY tasks, causing you to stretch, strain and lean dangerously to reach the area you need. Step ladders, on the other hand, come in various sizes, so you can select a height that suits your task and work comfortably without having to lean or overreach.
Plus, most modern step ladders are lightweight, foldable and easy to store, so there really is no excuse not to use one!
Step ladder safety tips
Make sure that you’re familiar with the following safety tips before you use a step ladder for the first time:
- Always visually inspect the step ladder before use for any damage like cracks, bends or loose parts.
- Make sure that you set the step ladder up on a solid and level surface.
- Always face the ladder as you climb and maintain three points of contact.
- Never overreach or lean to reach something – come down from the step ladder and reposition it instead!
- Make sure that you never overload the step ladder’s weight limit.
If you’re not sure what step ladder is best for your task, don’t just settle for a chair – reach out to Ladders UK Direct today for some expert advice!
Author biography: Ladders UK Direct is a UK-based retailer of ladders and other height access solutions for use at work or in the home. To see their latest news and advice on ladders, check out their Ladder Blog.