Electricians shouldn't use aluminum ladders

Q: Can someone get electrocuted using an aluminum extension ladder? If this is the case, why are they still manufactured?

A: Depending on the year, about 300 American workers are killed, and 130,000 injured, on ladders. In the OSHA and NIOSH statistics I am privy to, 17 of those 300 people were electrocuted on, or working near, aluminum ladders.

In fact, federal regulations are pretty clear that aluminum ladders cannot be used by electricians, period: "Portable metal or conductive ladders shall not be used for electrical work or where they may contact electrical conductors (29 CFR 1926.450(a)(11) or 1926.951(c)(1))."

So why do we still have aluminum ladders? They are lighter, cheaper and arguably more durable than wood or fiberglass. Fiberglass has a tendency to crack, and I have had one fail structurally from bouncing around on the back of a truck for years. (No, I was not standing on it — it gradually disintegrated. Said ladder is presently sitting in my side yard — anyone want a broken fiberglass ladder, cheap?) Aluminum ladders don't develop spider-cracks, shatter or fracture from rough use like fiberglass can, and don't rot like wood. But they do permanently bend, especially the lighter-duty models, and they most definitely conduct electricity (a la aluminum wiring).

Fiberglass ladders are becoming highly popular as they are improved, and rightfully so. Just try to stand up a 32-foot fiberglass ladder by yourself, though! That is a killer. The best part about fiberglass ladders, and the real determinant in my purchase decisions, has to be all the cool colors they are available in.

The newer folding and telescoping ladders are almost always built of aluminum. And they are some pretty neat space-saving and versatile ladders, I must say. How many conventional extension ladders or step-ladders can you use asymmetrically on a stairway, then as a scaffold, then to get on the roof? Owning a 26-foot folding ladder, I do know that it is wide, stable and secure, but it does have a disconcerting inward bow built into the manufacturing tolerances. This bow is not present on conventional extension ladders, and it puckers my cheeks every time I use it.

The important thing to remember is: Never set up an aluminum ladder any place it possibly could come into contact with overhead wiring. This includes carrying and maneuvering!

Q: Why the heck do so many newer microwave ovens have metal racks? I thought we weren't supposed to put metal in microwaves. What gives?

A: Stealth technology is what this is all about. The distance between the rack bars is engineered specifically to eliminate arcing. Sort of like a TV antenna in reverse. Furthermore, the bars are round, with no sharp edges to reflect microwaves. Segueing ever so smoothly from the last question, you definitely do not want to put an aluminum ladder (with those sharp edges) into your microwave before using it on a cold day, no matter how good you may think it might feel.

Darrell Hay is a local home inspector and manages several rental properties. He answers reader questions — call 206-464-8514 to record your question, or e-mail dhay@seattletimes.com. Sorry, no personal replies.