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Ladder Safety
t ladder accidents occur when someone falls from a ladder or the ladder itself falls becau
being used wrongly. This page gathers together some guidance to lower the risks to you
others.
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).

he ladder strong Ladders are rated according to their safe working load.
enough? 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.
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!

1 Place the base against a solid surface

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.

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.

ders are designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1
sure out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up.

Putting up a long ladder

(2 or more people needed)
1 Lay the ladder on the ground with the base at the spot where it is
stand.
 2 Heaviest person: stand at the base and put a foot on the bottom r

3 Remaining person(s): start to raise the ladder while heavy partner

reaches forward from the base and grasps the stiles (take care not
or strain while a back is arched, as this can cause serious injury).

4 Once ladder is upright, ease the top to rest against the wall or oth
surface.

Putting up an extension ladder - push-up type

ort extension (under 2 metres) can be done after the ladder has been raised. For an extension of ov
es: lay it on the ground in the position to be used, then extend it to the required length. Then raise
er as for a long ladder, described above.

ys extend the ladder before climbing it.

the safe way

Place the ladder base on a firm, level, dry surface. If this is not poss
e.g. working on grass, tie the feet of the ladder to stakes in the grou
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 unst
surface just to gain extra height.
Position the ladder so that the base won't slip outwards. Ladders ar
designed so that their safest angle of use comes when every 1 mea
out from the wall is matched by 4 measures up.

Secure the bottom and the upper part of the ladder by tying them (
stiles, not rungs) with rope or straps onto a stable, fixed object. You
tie the base to stakes in the ground, or use fixed blocks or sandbag
help guard against the ladder slipping, or buy special stabilisers. A r
strap tied from a stile onto a fixed object at about the height of the
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
'foot' it (by standing with one foot on the bottom rung and holding a
in each hand.
Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface, never against gut
or other narrow or plastic features. Where a surface is too brittle or
to support the top of the ladder, use a stay or a stand-off resting on
surface nearby. Bolt or clip this to the top of the ladder before putti
the ladder.
Have at least three rungs extending beyond the roof's edge if you're
a ladder to get yourself up onto the roof.

Make sure that longer extension ladders (over 18 rungs) have an ov

of at least three rungs. Shorter ones need a minimum overlap of tw
rungs.
 More ladder safety advice
your body facing the ladder at al times, centred between the stiles.

t reach too far forwards or sideways , or stand with one foot on the ladder and the other on someth

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

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

t carry heavy items or long lengths of material up a ladder.

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

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

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

t use a ladder in a strong wind.

t use a ladder near any power lines.

t allow any child under 16 to use a ladder.

Storing Ladders
ys store ladders in a covered, ventilated area, protected from the weather and away from too much
pness or heat.
ers can fall if stored vertically, so take particular care. If possible, secure the top with a bracket.
er hang a ladder from a rung.
t store a ladder in any place a child might be tempted to climb it.
toring horizontally, a rack or wall brackets are ideal (hang from a stile). Keep wooden ladders clear
nd to avoid contact with damp.

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