A recent incident in the US serves to remind us that aluminum ladders and power lines are a disastrous combination under any circumstances.
OSHA is currently investigating an incident in Milford, CT, where a worker was power washing a house when his ladder came into contact with a power line.
Apparently the workers didn't lower the ladders they were using, but simply leaned them back, where they came in contact with the service line from the utility pole to the house, which carries 200 amps of electricity.
A local Fire Dept Captain commented on the fact that they use aluminum ladders on a regular basis, and that the safety procedures involved in their use is drilled into them during their 1 week training.
The incident in CT is a severe reminder that ladder safety training is required for workers who use ladders under any and all circumstances - whether in a fire fighting role or just cleaning the eaves of a home.
We would suggest that you consider our new Ladder Safety Training course to ensure that you are fully compliant will all Provincial or Federal regulations.
