We hope that the majority of people with gutters will be able to successfully use the Gutter Viper to clear the gutters. We've used it on gutters with small trees growing in the debris, and gutters with standing water/debris. But if there are very difficult gutters, and you absolutely must use a ladder, here are tips from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety:
What should you do to safely secure extension ladders?
- Place ladders on a firm, flat surface and be sure the footing is secure.
- Erect extension ladders so that the upper section rests on (e.g., in front of) the bottom section. This placement means the bottom section "faces" a wall or other supporting surface (see figures below).
- Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the length of the ladder. The ladder will be leaning at a 75 degree angle .
- Raise and lower ladders from the ground. Ensure that locking ladder hooks are secure before climbing.
- For access to an elevated work surface, erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. Tie the top at support points.
- Use care when getting on and or off the ladder at the top or bottom in order to avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide.
- Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off to, use a stake in the ground.
- Leave all tie-off devices in place until they must be removed before taking the ladder down.
- Maintain the minimum overlap of sections as shown on a ladder label. Refer to safety regulations.
- Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway.
These and other tips can be found at the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.
