If not handled properly the Mekita fiber this sander can be the most dangerous tool we have in our arsenal. The Makita 5 in. Disc Sander has a powerful 4.2 Amp motor that deliver speeds up to 4,500 RPM . the fiber disks we use with this machine are manufactured to grind wood and metal.
As the image below shows, this spinning disk comes very close to your hand. Also when sending a deck, the spinning disk comes very close to your legs.
Please observe the following when operating the Mekita fiber disk sander:
Wear gloves, masks and eye protection
Never lock the trigger when operating sander on a ladder
Keep sander away from your body at all times
Do not walk with the sander when trigger is engaged
IMPORTANT: your ladder must be positioned at the correct angle, as demonstrated by this photo. If you decrease the angle, there is a chance the ladder may fall backwards. When the angle is increased, there is a chance of the ladder sliding.
Correct footing
If your ladder is equipped with adjustable legs or ladder levelers, please use correctly to level the ladder in a safe position. Be sure the feet are not on soft soil, loose gravel, or a slope.
IMPORTANT: Request a crew member to help you by holding the ladder if necessary.
Extension ladder policy
When lowering or raising the ladder keep hands out of the reach of the moving sections.
Be aware of and expect extension rope break. In case of rope break, extended section will drop! keep hands on the outside of ladder.
Inspect position of ladder feet before climbing ladder
Climb ladder to 2nd rung and look down to ensure ladder feet are secure.
Do not move a 32 foot or larger ladder alone
Do not move an extended ladder.
Use pot hooks to attach paint pots while on top of ladder.
Do not leave paint pots attached to ladder while moving it.
Do not “ladder hop”
Use a bungee cord to attach ladder to gutter
When leaning ladder against gutter, place close to gutter nails or brackets
Discuss with supervisor if ladder holder is necessary.
General Ladder policy
Inspect the ladder for physical defects before using it.
Always set the “leg” uphill.
When you get off the ladder, do it one step at a time.
Do not step off the ladder onto a tree branch.
Do not use the top two steps of the ladder.
Do not overreach when picking the fruit. Move the ladder.
Do not paint wood ladders except to number them or add warning labels. Place marks or labels on one face of the side rail only. .
Do not use ladders for skids, braces, workbenches, or any purpose other than climbing.
Only one person is allowed on a ladder at a time.
Always keep both feet on the ladder rungs. Do not step laterally from a ladder onto another object.
Do not jump from a ladder when you get down.
All joints between steps, rungs, and side rails must be tight.
Safety boots or shoes must be in good condition.
Rungs must be free of grease and/or oil.
Report all equipment damage to your supervisor immediately.
Don’t take chances. Use your safety equipment as directed.
Follow instructions. Ask your supervisor questions when in doubt about any phase of your operation.
Report all unsafe conditions or situations that are potentially hazardous.
When in doubt, ask for directions. Talk to management at any reasonable time about problems that affect your safety or work
