Ladder Safety

 
Most ladder accidents occur when someone falls from a ladder or the ladder itself falls because it's being used wrongly. This page gathers together some guidance to lower the risks to yourself and others. 

Is it long enough?is it long enough

 The overall length of a ladder is not the same as its usable length - allow one metre of ladder length above the highest rung you use. Never stand on the top three rungs. Make sure the ladder is at a safe angle (see below).

Is the ladder strong enough?

 Ladders are rated according to their safe working load. Do you need a ladder for domestic use, or a more heavy-duty one for trade or industrial purposes? If you need to move around a lot at height or carry lots of materials, a platform (e.g. the Pro-deck) or a mobile tower may be more appropriate. 

Is it safe enough?

 Make sure there are no cracks, no loose/bent/missing rungs, no bent stiles (the outside uprights of a ladder), no warping or splitting wood, no corrosion (metal), no sharp edges. Are the footpads, caps and other rubber fittings OK? 
Ladders should never be painted - this could hide dangerous defects from view. Wooden ladders can be protected with clear varnish or transparent rot-proofer.

Putting up a short ladder

Whenever carrying a ladder, keep the front end above head height. Turn carefully!

putting up a short ladder 1 1 Place the base against a solid surface
putting up a short ladder 2 2 Lift the top of the ladder and 'walk down' it, rung by rung and hand by hand, moving in towards the base until the ladder is upright. 
putting up a short ladder 3 3 Rest the top of the ladder against the wall or other first surface, then lift or slide the base out to its final position. 
Ladders are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1 measure out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up.

Putting up a long ladder 
(2 or more people needed)
putting up a long ladder 1 1 Lay the ladder on the ground with the base at the spot where it is to stand. 
putting up a long ladder 2 2 Heaviest person: stand at the base and put a foot on the bottom rung. 
putting up a long ladder 3 3 Remaining person(s): start to raise the ladder while heavy partner reaches forward from the base and grasps the stiles (take care not to pull or strain while a back is arched, as this can cause serious injury). 
putting up a long ladder 4
4 Once ladder is upright, ease the top to rest against the wall or other firm surface. 

Putting up an extension ladder - push-up type
A short extension (under 2 metres) can be done after the ladder has been raised. For an extension of over 2 metres: lay it on the ground in the position to be used, then extend it to the required length. Then raise the ladder as for a long ladder, described above. 

Always extend the ladder before climbing it. 
Work the safe way
secure base Place the ladder base on a firm, level, dry surface. If this is not possible, e.g. working on grass, tie the feet of the ladder to stakes in the ground to stop it slipping, and place a large wooden board underneath to help prevent it sinking. 
Don't put a ladder on top of boxes, bricks, barrels or any other unstable surface just to gain extra height. 
correct angle Position the ladder so that the base won't slip outwards. Ladders are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1 measure out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up. 
secure top Secure the bottom and the upper part of the ladder by tying them (from stiles, not rungs) with rope or straps onto a stable, fixed object. You can tie the base to stakes in the ground, or use fixed blocks or sandbags to help guard against the ladder slipping, or buy special stabilisers. A rope or strap tied from a stile onto a fixed object at about the height of the fifth rung from the bottom will help to stop any further movement. If it's impossible for some reason to secure the ladder, get another adult to 'foot' it (by standing with one foot on the bottom rung and holding a stile in each hand. 
Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface, never against guttering, or other narrow or plastic features. Where a surface is too brittle or weak to support the top of the ladder, use a stay or a stand-off resting on a firm surface nearby. Bolt or clip this to the top of the ladder before putting up the ladder. 
correct overhang Have at least three rungs extending beyond the roof's edge if you're using a ladder to get yourself up onto the roof. 
correct overlap Make sure that longer extension ladders (over 18 rungs) have an overlap of at least three rungs. Shorter ones need a minimum overlap of two rungs. 

More ladder safety advice

Keep your body facing the ladder at al times, centred between the stiles. 

Don't reach too far forwards or sideways , or stand with one foot on the ladder and the other on something else. 

Move the ladder to avoid overstretching, and re-secure it whenever necessary. 

Try to keep both hands free to hold the ladder as much as possible when climbing or descending - use a shoulder bag, belt holster or belt hooks. 

Don't carry heavy items or long lengths of material up a ladder. 

Hold onto the ladder with one hand while you work. You can get special trays which fit between the stiles to take paint pots, tools etc. 

Wear strong, flat shoes or boots, with dry soles and a good grip. Don't wear sandals, slip-ons or have bare feet on a ladder. 

Make sure the door is locked, blocked or guarded by someone if you're up a ladder in front of it. 

Don't use a ladder in a strong wind.

Don't use a ladder near any power lines. 

Don't allow any child under 16 to use a ladder. 

Storing Ladders
Always store ladders in a covered, ventilated area, protected from the weather and away from too much dampness or heat. 
Ladders can fall if stored vertically, so take particular care. If possible, secure the top with a bracket. 
Never hang a ladder from a rung. 
Don't store a ladder in any place a child might be tempted to climb it. 
For storing horizontally, a rack or wall brackets are ideal (hang from a stile). Keep wooden ladders clear of the ground to avoid contact with damp. 

Ladder security

For security reasons, as well as good maintenance, don't store a ladder on view outdoors where it could be stolen or used in a break in. If it has to be stored in view make sure that it is secured to an immovable object.

 

 

 

 

Although these pages are checked regularly and every care is taken with the information within. Delston can not accept any responsibility or liability for information or results displayed within due to third party interference. All information was deemed correct at time of publication.

Author Myrddin
Copyright © 1999 [Delston ]. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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