The Smart Ladder Hack That Makes Hanging Lights And Cleaning Gutters Safer

This is the time of year when people dig their ladders out of their garages not just to put up holiday decorations, but also because keeping gutters clean in the wintertime is crucial. Unfortunately, though, ladders can be extremely dangerous, and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, completely souring the season. Or it could be worse. According to the American Ladder Institute, approximately 300 fatalities occur every year due to ladder incidents. That's why it's important to take safety precautions when using the tool so you don't become a statistic. One way to do this is by using a smart ladder trick to ensure it's safely positioned.

As you're preparing to access your roof, make sure your ladder is positioned correctly. This is a crucial step as being too far away could cause the ladder to slip, while being too close could make it tip backward. Luckily, this ladder hack makes finding the right position easier, and takes some scariness out of it, too. It uses the same principle as the 4-to-1 rule, a calculation where for every four feet high a ladder is resting on a structure, the base should be a foot away. This trick allows you to use your arms and feet as guidelines instead.

Start by placing your ladder on a flat surface and lean it against your home. Then, place your feet at the bottom of the ladder (toes touching), stand straight, and fully extend your arms. If everything is aligned, your hands should rest on the rung of the ladder. You'll know the position isn't right if your hands aren't touching it. For example, if your arms go through the rungs, the ladder is set up too close. The opposite will happen if the bottom of the ladder is too far out, e.g. your hands will not reach. 

While there's an easy way to hang Christmas lights without a ladder, some people prefer the old fashioned way. The OSHA Training Institute Education Center has complied these ladder safety tips. For example, when using an extension ladder, make sure that the top extends 3 feet higher than the landing, so you can hold onto it as you get on and off the roof. Always stay within the side rails and face the rungs as you're going up and down. Use a tool belt to keep your hands free when climbing. Do not set your ladder on unstable or soft ground nor on top of objects like boxes. If possible, have a friend or relative hold the ladder when you are climbing or descending. Always inspect your equipment for damage before starting. There are also tips and tricks for cleaning gutters that don't require the use of a ladder.