From the twinkling lights to colourful ornaments, decorating for Christmas is a cherished tradition that brings joy to families, friends, neighbours and even passersby.
However, while the festive spirit fills the air, it's really very important to remember that safety should be at the top of your decorating checklist.
According to a survey by the UKs National Accident Helpline, 2.6 million people have fallen whilst they were hanging Christmas decorations.
To help individuals decorate safely this season, leading safety ladder specialist, Henchman, has partnered with The Christmas Decorators to share essential guidance on staying safe whilst people are working at heights during this festive season.
Plan your display
Before you begin any Christmas decorating, planning your display can save you time and help prevent accidents.
Take a moment to map out where each decoration will go and gather all your supplies, including a ladder, lights, ornaments and tools.
Jamie from The Christmas Decorators shares: "Planning is everything. Part of our process is conducting site visits and planning access points for installations. We make sure all job details are clear before we leave the warehouse, so we're prepared, safe, and ready to delight all our customers."
Consider the layout of your available space and identify the best spots for lights and decorations. Ensure there’s a clear path to your decorating areas, avoiding all clutter and obstacles that might cause trips.
Select a well-lit space for indoor decorating to help you see clearly as you work, and make sure you have enough space to manoeuvre in safety.
Wait for the right weather
Always assess your environment before decorating. Make sure to check the weather before using your ladder outdoors. Obviously, wind, rain or icy conditions can increase the risk of accidents, so it’s best to delay outdoor decorating until conditions improve.
Keep an eye out for potential environmental hazards, like uneven ground, debris, or obstacles that could cause you to trip or lose your balance.
As Jamie notes: Our teams are trained to conduct safety assessments, and if conditions aren’t safe, we rearrange with the client to return another day. No decoration is worth risking safety for!”
Choose the right ladder
Selecting the right ladder is obviously key for safe decorating, especially when tackling heights or tricky spots.
For this task, the Henchman Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder is an excellent option, with three independently adjustable legs that provide extra stability on uneven ground, making it suitable for any terrain.
The tripod ladder is certified to EN131, making it the only tripod ladder available in the UK that meets this standard, ensuring you can confidently tackle your decorating tasks this holiday season, knowing that you have a reliable and safe tool at your side.
Available in a range of sizes from 5ft to 12ft, the tripod ladder offers flexibility for various tasks. The smallest model is perfect for indoor decorating, such as placing the star on top of your tree, while the taller models make it easy to hang lights along guttering or reach upstairs windows. Its claw-like feet ensure a good, firm grip on soft ground, keeping you secure on muddy or uneven surfaces.
Before you dive into decorating, inspect your ladder for any signs of wear or damage. Jamie advises: “It's essential to conduct several health and safety checks before stepping foot on the ladder to ensure the safety of the user and others around.”
He goes on to say: “We always check the ladder's condition to ensure it’s free from dirt and debris, that the mechanisms and locks are working, and that all relevant safety labelling is clear and is followed.” Ensure that the rungs are secure, the legs are stable, and that all surfaces are clean and free of dirt to prevent slipping.
Climb with care
Safety is paramount when you are climbing. The Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder includes a generous 18cm platform for increased comfort and control, with an elevated guardrail to support you as you work.
Always use both hands when climbing and descending the ladder and maintain three points of contact – two feet and one hand or with Henchman’s Tripod Ladder, you can lean your waist into the guardrail to work handsfree whilst maintaining three points of contact.
Place the ladder on a stable, level surface, and avoid using unstable objects to prop it up. The tripod ladder’s hedge-proof locking pin design prevents the legs from dislodging if they come into contact with branches or shrubbery, ensuring a safe experience even when working in landscaped areas.
Jamie advises: “Some of our key safety practices include using tool lanyards, ensuring there are two team members per ladder, and always maintaining three points of contact.”
As you ascend, be cautious to not overreach or lean too far, as this can lead to a loss of balance. Thanks to the hip-height guard rail, users can work comfortably and securely when placing garlands or adjusting light displays, reducing the need to reposition the ladder constantly.
Always Have a helper
Having a helper can make your decorating tasks safer and more efficient. Your helper can pass the items to you once you’re securely on the ladder and assist in keeping the workspace clear of obstacles.
Jamie highlights the importance of having a helper: “Working in pairs when using ladders is common sense. As we decorate trees, we are up and down by the minute with various tools and decorations, so the extra pair of hands is invaluable.”
Having someone there allows you to focus on the task at hand and can help stabilise the ladder if needed which is especially important when working at heights.
For more expert advice on using ladders safely and to explore the full range of Henchman ladders, visit: https://www.henchman.co.uk
FACTFILE:
Henchman has been a pioneer of specialist garden ladders and safe hedge-cutting platforms since 1994, when it launched its first model at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Founded by father and son duo Mike and Tom Kitching, over the past three decades the company has evolved from a small family business to the leading garden ladder brand in the UK.
From their base in Wiltshire, the dedicated design team at Henchman offers a wide range of unique products created to keep customers safe on uneven terrain while working at height.