Don't Take Chances with Your Safety!

The LADDER:

One of the most dangerous and frequently misused tools at the jobsite.

Oh. My.

You’ve seen it before. You may have chuckled a bit, shaking your head at the bravado of the risktaker upon the rungs. You may have scolded them, hoping to persuade them to put an end to their risky business. Or you may have even been the one atop the ladder, gambling your personal safety for the sake of time, convenience, or the cost of the right ladder or scaffolding system for the job. Looking back, was it worth it?

Was it worth it?

The answer to that question likely depends upon which side of the statistics you fall upon.  OSHA tells us that approximately 25,000 people suffered ladder related injury falls last year.

Working with heights creates special risks. When person falls even a few feet off a ladder and lands on a hard surface, like concrete, the injuries will often be severe. Ranging anywhere from bruising & soreness to joint & fracture injuries, back & neck injuries, and brain injuries, falls from heights almost always result in work stoppage, lost wages, and may be career ending or even fatal. According to data published by the CDC, 43% of fall fatalities are ladder falls.

Familiarity breeds contempt?

When it comes to ladder safety, regular usage has been shown to have a direct correlation with an individual’s likeliness to “get creative”, disregarding proper operational standards and limitations. As mentioned earlier, tight spots, time constraints, and improper budget also play a major role in users’ poor decision making when it comes to ladders.

7 keys to ladder safety:

1. Proper training
• Before initial operation, be sure your team has been properly trained on safety and correct ladder usage.
2. Proper usage:
• Secure the ladder
• An extension ladder should be tied off at the top, middle and bottom
• The structure that you tie the ladder to must be capable of supporting the ladder.
• The top must extend three feet beyond the roof line if you are climbing onto the structure.
• The ladder must extend three feet past the platform being climbed to if climbing to another surface.
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Do not climb higher than the second rung on stepladders or the third rung on straight or extension ladders.
• Hands must be free of material while climbing ladders. Hand lines and/or tool pouches will be used to raise or lower material.
• Utilize the 4-1 ratio:
• Divide the length of the structure from the ground to the top support point (where the ladder rests against the building) by four - not including the three foot extension to 15 feet.
• The ladder’s base should be three feet from the foundation.The 4-to-1 Ratio is important because the angle it creates utilizes the ladder’s strength and gives optimum balance when climbing.

3. PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment)
• These vary with the job, but include things like
• Body harness - especially for greater heights
• Safety helmet - to protect against head trauma
• Work gloves - for increased grip
• Work shoes or boots - for increased grip and flexibility
4. Proper equipment maintenance
• Ladders should be inspected before and after each use. Look for:
• Broken or frozen joints or latches.
• Cracks, broken welds, rough spots and burrs.
• Cracked wood, splinters, and rot.
• Broken or loose hardware.
• Protect wood ladders with linseed oil or clear sealant.
• Protect fiberglass ladders also with a clear sealant.
• Frequently oil metal bearings of locks, wheels, pulleys and other moving parts.
5. Safe working environment
• The ladder foundation and top point of contact (for extension ladders) should be clear and secure, with no obstructions or barriers to maximum traction.
6. Accountability
• Friends don’t let friends take dangerous chances. Work to establish a zero-tolerance policy regarding not following proper ladder safety practices among the team.
7. Proper equipment
• The right size and type of ladder for the job can be a lifesaver. Literally.

At Creech Ladder Center, we care about your team’s safety. We offer a wide variety of ladders from top, trusted manufacturers like Little Giant and Louisville Ladder Company, so you can properly outfit your team with the right equipment for the job. The next time you find yourself in a tight spot with inferior equipment, just remember, “If it’s out of reach, call the folks at Creech!”

Call Us! 615.242.8601

To learn more about special offers and updates, click here: http://web.vanandtruckequipmenttn.com/home/

The Ladder

Photo Credit: "Hausbuch Wolfegg 53v 53v1 Drehbank Waage Steiggeräte" by Anonymous

noun, lad·der often attributive \ˈla-dər\

 

: a device used for climbing that has two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them.

: a series of steps or stages by which a person is enabled to move up to a higher or better position.

Everyone knows the purpose of a ladder is to reach high, otherwise out of reach places safely. But there are a few things you may not know about this oft overlooked tool. Here is a short list of historical tidbits about the mighty ladder.

• Scientists believe ladders to have been used over 10,000 years ago due to depictions of them in ancient Mesolithic era paintings discovered in the Spider Caves in Spain. 

• This early ladder as painted is long and flexible, and is made of a material with the appearance of grass.

• Some of the oldest ladders on record were not made of fixed materials, but with flexible fibers like rope. A small number of these historic ladders are still in use today. 

•  The bible famously makes mention of "Jacob's Ladder" in Genesis 28:10-19. In the scripture Jacob describes a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching from heaven to earth with angels ascending and descending it. The book of Genesis is believed to have been written somewhere between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

• On January 7, 1862, Dayton, Ohio resident John H. Balsley received the first US patent for the step ladder. While not the original inventor, Mr. Balsley improved upon the design by placing hinges atop of the ladder, allowing it to be folded and more easily stored and transported. 

•  Kiva ladders, originally used to reach the upper floors of the Anasazi cliff dwellings, southwestern pueblo homes, and ceremonial caves, are a primitive looking wooden ladder made of tall, hand-scraped pine poles. Scaled down replicas have become a popular item in contemporary home decor.

• Deteriorated or improperly fitted base pads are one of the most common causes of ladder slippage contributing to accidents. They are responsible for lowering friction with the ground, thereby increasing traction. Ladder stabilizers are widely available and do much to increase a ladder's grip on its foundation. The first ladder stabilizers or ladder feet were offered in 1936 and today are standard equipment on most large ladders.

To learn more about ladders, scaffolding, and a wide array of service industry equipment available for your vehicles and more, check out Creech Ladder. We're your one-stop-shop for accessories that improve safety, stability and usability. You can call us direct at 615.242.8601, or check out our website for special offers and updates at: http://web.vanandtruckequipmenttn.com/home/.

And remember,  if it's out of reach, call the folks at Creech!

Dress Your Fleet for Success!

Take 20% off all in-stock Tradesman & Lund Toolboxes!

 (limited time offer)

Get this deal now by clicking here

If you’re like me, your heart beats just a little faster at the smell of rubber and the sight of metal. Argh-ha-ha: tools! If you take pride in knowing you can get the job done, and get it done right, then you probably know the value of the right tool for the job. And not just any “right” tool: it’s got to be quality. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Take for example the Aluminum Diamond-Plate Flushmount Toolbox by Tradesman pictured above. Boy, she’s a beauty, isn’t she? Like jewelry for your truck. And functional? This toolbox is not only great-looking, but will pay for itself many times over a lifetime of service. If you’ve ever had one, you know what I mean.

It feels good to invest in yourself, and your company, knowing you’re about to take another important step up in your business. If dressing for success is the key to making an excellent first impression, maybe it’s time to dress your fleet for success?

Here’s a list for starters: truck bed boxes, toolboxes, covers, and racks; van shelving, partitions, & tool chests; ladder racks and material racks for all kinds of vehicles - and that’s to say nothing of the ladders themselves. Fiberglass, aluminum, wood; attic ladders, rolling stock ladders, scaffolding, and walk boards. Creech Ladder is proud to bring you top of the line products at affordable prices.

Shop our website’s extensive product catalogs, from outstanding outfitters like Louisville Ladder, Kargo Master, Little Giant, and others. We’ve got what you need to suit up and get the job done. Creech Ladder carries a great selection of van and truck conversion packages and components for First Responders, HVAC, Roofing, and Painting Specialists, and many many more.

Check us out! Creech Ladder has everything you need. We ship within Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and just about anywhere in the United States from our catalog.

And remember, if it’s out of reach, call the folks at Creech!

2507 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 | (615) 242-8601 | http://www.creechladder.com

Home and Building Maintenance Season is in Full Swing!

Spring is in the air, and that means home and building maintenance season is in full swing! There’s nothing more important than having the right tool for the right job. At Creech Ladder, we offer a wide variety of top-of-the-line ladders and scaffolding for all your projects, whether personal or professional.

Contractors, if it’s time to step up to the next level by fully equipping your fleet, Creech Ladder will help you outfit your professional trucks and vans with transit shelving, ladder racks, material storage and accessories specially designed for your vehicles. Your business deserves an investment that pays for itself in safety and efficiency.

Spring is also a great time to inspect and inventory your existing equipment. Are the scaffolding and ladders you’ve depended on for so long still up to par? Safety is very important. Taking preventative measures to keep yourself or your employees safe is not only smart and responsible, but saves money. Injury accidents from ladder and scaffolding falls can be devastating. Speaking of safety, don’t forget to take advantage of our ladder training program from Louisville Ladder, C.L.I.M.B. Academy. This 58 page, bilingual training document is a comprehensive guide for professional practitioners as well as weekend warriors.

From attic ladders to commercial scaffolding, Creech Ladder has everything you need. A family-owned and operated business serving Middle Tennessee since 1987, Creech Ladder has a well-earned reputation for personal service and quick turnaround. We ship within Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and just about anywhere in the United States from our extensive product catalog.

Creech Ladder is one-stop shopping for all your ladder, scaffolding & accessories needs. Remember, if it’s out of reach, call the folks at Creech!

2507 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 | (615) 242-8601 | http://www.creechladder.com

Record Breaking Ladders

The Longest Ladder of all Time:

The longest ladder in the world was recorded at 135 feet, or 41.16 meters long with 120 rungs. The world’ longest ladder was completed in April of 2005. It was constructed by the Handwerks Museum in Austria.

Longest Climbed Distances:

The farthest distance climbed by a team on a ladder was over an eight-hour period, in which several members of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service succeeded in climbing over 26 miles. The record was established on July 13, 2012.

The farthest distance climbed by a male on a ladder is 8.23 miles. Keith Sanders climbed for 24 hours between the days of July 11^th and 12^th in 2014. The record was completed in the UK at the Salisbury Fire Station in Wiltshire.

The farthest distance climbed by a female on a ladder is 7.15 miles. Barbara Nustrini climbed for 24 hours between the days of December 3^rd and 4^th in 2005. Barbara was a member of The Professional Firefighters of New Zealand, and set this record in Auckland, New Zealand

Tricky Ladder Stunts:

This record was set when Emil Faltynek from the Czech Republic successfully juggled five objects while simultaneously balancing on a ladder for nearly one whole minute (56.92).  This record was set on March 23, 2013

Iya Traore climbed backwards on a ladder while controlling a football with his feet up 75 rungs. This record was set on July 20, 2011. Traore used a 25-meter, fire brigade ladder to complete this record.

You probably won’t need the longest ladder in the world for your profession or DYI project. However, you do want a ladder of the highest quality to complete any job you have in mind. Creech Ladder Center in the greater Nashville area has the largest inventory of ladders available in the country. From regular stepladders, to extending truck and van ladders, Creech will be sure to get the job done. If it’s really the longest ladder record your seeking to break, just call Creech today for a custom made ladder all your own. For more information on Creech Ladder Company’s extensive inventory visit their website today. Hope to hear from you soon!

 

Click this link for all information on Creech Ladder’s special offers today!

Luxury Ladders & More

The problem with shopping for ladders at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s is that they only provide the most basic selections. They have ladders for basic projects, such as getting into the attic, changing the light bulbs, and clearing the gutters. Not everyone uses their ladder for just the basics, and the stock 12-foot aluminum ladder just won’t do for those individuals that require tall, extendable, and extremely durable ladders for their line of work.

For example, would you want the fire fighter climbing the side of your house to reach the third story window where your five year old is trapped using a 30 dollar ladder from Wal-Mart? Or the painter meticulously finishing the window treatments to cut the corners, because his stock, aluminum ladder is a bit rickety?

Creech Ladder Center has the largest available ladder inventory in Nashville and the surround areas! They offer various colored fiberglass ladders ranging from 200 up to 375 pounds. In addition, Creech Ladder Center has specialty ladders for scaffolding, as well as a plethora of truck and van equipment for attaching and transporting any ladder, not matter the shape, size, or weight.

Creech Ladder Center has been operating as a family owned business since 1987. This company prides themselves on their professional personal service and punctual delivery. They will ship to almost any state in the country. In addition, to their superior ladder selection, you can also find van racks, van shelving, ladder levelers, wall standoffs, and much more. Visit Creech Ladder Center’s website for more information on their ladder inventory. 

For more Information on all of Creech Ladder Center’s Special Offers Visit this Link!

Love Your Ladder

On any ordinary day it’s highly unlikely that you consider the importance of a good, sturdy ladder and the countless tasks it can help you complete. However, whether you’re husband is a stay at home dad or the project manager of a construction company every man deserves to have a strong, durable stepping stool standing neatly in his corner of the garage. However, Lowe’s and Home Depot just don’t quite carry a selection wide enough to satisfy the countless projects and occupations that require a safe, strong ladder.

For example, if you husband is the proud, do-it-yourself handy man type that wants to do everything himself a versatile, extending and extremely safe ladder is critical. The standard 8-foot aluminum ladder might be appropriate fro changing the light bulbs in the kitchen ceiling fan, but what about the chandelier bulbs in the living room with those beautiful 12-foot ceilings? Or when he decides to save some money and clean the gutters himself this year? Wouldn’t it be so much easier if the ladder were a few feet taller where he could stand safely on a step rather than leaning shakily on the top landing? No one wants to see Dad take a nasty tumble reaching for that last leaf between him and a perfectly clear gutter!   

Or if your hard working husband is the heroic firefighter that always goes back to the burning building to save the sobbing seven year old’s puppy; wouldn’t you rather him have the 20-foot extendable ladder that reaches right up to the third floor apartment window where the puppy is howling rather than running up all those stairs and battling thick, suffocating clouds of smoke?

Creech Ladders, which prides itself on personal service, carries a wide variety of top-of-the-line manufacturer ladders and accessories. Creech stocks any and everything you could possibly need, with ladders ranging from $90 to $1,200 you’ll certainly find the perfect equipment for your next DYI or professional project.

Creech Ladder is also a one-stop-shop for accessories that improve safety, stability and usability. They carry a huge inventory of Louisville Ladder, Alum-A-Pole Products, Weather Guard toolboxes, Dee Zee Tool Boxes, and Sarges Knives!

Call Creech today to check out their impressive inventory. 615.242.8601

www.creechladder.com

2507 Nolensville Pike Nashville TN. 37211