Spring Cleaning

Spring is the time of year when we look around the house and decide what jobs we need to carry out in the coming months. The list can feel endless, from re-decoration, painting, cleaning, to clearing out all the clutter that has been getting on our nerves for months.

This often means we have to start doing things that we don’t normally do, for example climbing into attics, standing on chairs and step ladders to paint ceilings and corners, cleaning windows, washing and re-hanging curtains etc. If we are to avoid accidents - we must be prepared.

Domestic step ladders must be the right height for their intended use, remember it is not good practice to stand on the top two rungs of any ladder. Wooden ladders should not be painted as this can hide any defects that may exist in the timber. Steps should be in good condition, not cracked, or broken, or missing. Check the condition of the rungs and stiles before you start your task.

All ladders should be placed on a part of the ground, or floor that is level, and not likely to slip once you start to climb them. Ensure the base of the ladder is even and that the grips are in place. The ground around the base of the ladder should also be free from rubbish, debris, or loose gravel.

When standing on the ladder to carry out your task you should be careful to locate the ladder within easy reach of what you are doing. Do not be tempted to over-reach on a ladder to finish off that last little bit of painting. This over reach may cause you to lose your balance and fall off.

It is essential to maintain a “3 Point Contact”, this means that both feet and one hand should always be in contact with the ladder frame. When using the ladder, an angle of 75 degrees or a ratio of 4:1 is essential to ensure a stable platform. This means placing the ladder 1 foot away from whatever it is leaning against for every 4 feet of height.

The damage due to falls from ladders can range from minor bruises to a fatal injury. Remember falling may not hurt, but hitting the ground definitely will.

Where possible the use of step ladders, or any other form of temporary access should be avoided. For example, if you are using your attic for storage and frequently find yourself attempting to defy the laws of gravity to get into it you should consider a more permanent form of access such as a folding stair way. There are many different types available, but all should be fitted according to the manufacturers’ instructions by a person competent to carry out the work.

You may also decide to clear out the garage, or the garden shed. This type of activity can involve a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving; all of which if not carried out correctly can affect your spine. The legs are what evolution has given us to carry out moving, pushing, pulling etc. The muscles at the front of the legs, called the Quadriceps, are the longest and strongest muscles in the body, and are designed for heavy work. After a day or two of lifting and moving old furniture, drawers, lawnmowers, and all the other things we keep in the garage that we supposedly built for the car, your spine will thank you for not ‘putting your back into it’.

And while you’re in the garage, take a look around and see if there are any bottles in there containing diesel, petrol, insecticides or other chemicals that are not correctly labelled. If you do come across them, dispose of them in the recommended way, or alternatively clearly label the bottle and put them in a safe place preferably under lock and key. Every year many children present at the Accident and Emergency units of our hospitals having consumed something that they found in the garden shed and thought was a mineral because it was in a soft drinks bottle.

Remember when you’re making your spring cleaning list, plan your tasks in advance, look for any potential areas where you or someone else could become injured, and then put the necessary measures in place to reduce the possibility of an accident. All you should have to worry about when you’re working is whether or not the paint is the right colour.