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Tis the Season for Spring Cleaning!

Ladders Help Get the Job Done – But Require Some Know-How to Stay Safe

We’ve made it through winter and now, sunnier, warmer days await. Lighten the chore of spring cleaning by taking a few safety precautions before you get started, then enjoy the benefits of a freshly scrubbed house or apartment throughout the summer season.


Before tackling windows or gutters, be sure to follow the 4 to 1 rule to keep everyone safe: The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of height to where the ladder rests against the building. For example, if the top of the ladder is at 16 feet, and the ladder extends to twenty 20 feet, the base should be four feet from the building.

For more on ladder safety, check out “Falling Off Ladders Can Kill – Use Them Safely,” a brochure from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).


The National Safety Council recommends 12 other tips for safe spring cleaning. Check out the link above for details on each:
1. Declutter
2. Go Mild
3. Read the Label
4. Ventilation is Your Friend
5. Consider a Mask
6. Glove Up
7. Get a Mop
8. Avoid Wet Floors
9. Safely Store Cleaning Products
10. Stay Safe on Step Stools
11. Lift with Caution
12. Stay Hydrated

By keeping these tips in mind, you’re sure to end this seasonal chore knowing it’s a job well done – without a trip to the emergency room.