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Safe use of your ladder

Friction – your safety depends on it.

Imagine a ladder with smooth footings sitting on a sheet of ice – and you at the top. Spells danger doesn’t it!

When using a ladder you need to be conscious of the foundation on which the ladder is placed and the base of the ladder stiles. You should always make sure both stiles are in full contact with the foundation.

If you are in a situation where you can’t be 100% sure of the stability of the ladder based on the footing you should further restrain the ladder with ropes, wedging, or by forcing the base of the ladder into the ground surface where you can.

Positioning your Ladder


For a short ladder place the bottom of the ladder against a fixed object then lift the top of the ladder rung by rung until the ladder is in the upright position and can be "walked" to the required position of use.

For a long ladder you need two people to raise it properly and position it accurately.

Lay the ladder on the ground with the bottom of the ladder at the spot where the ladder is to be used.  The heaviest person should be positioned at the bottom of the ladder, and place a foot on the bottom rung.  Others can then raise the ladder, with the anchor person reaching forward and assisting by hauling on the stiles.

Once the ladder is upright, ease the top into required position.

Lowering Ladders.

Extension ladders should be lowered in the reverse order to that which is used when raising them.  All ladders should be lowered using adequate weight at the bottom of the ladder to prevent the ladder becoming uncontrollable.

Some Fundamental Rules


Common sense is just that. And yet sometimes we think we’re different to everybody else and “it’ll be okay”.

Here is a list of simple yet important rules.

  • Always observe the basic rule; only one person on a ladder at one time.
  • Always have three limbs on the ladder eg: 2 feet and 1 hand or 1 foot and 2 hands.
  • Ascend using both hands to grasp the rungs or stiles, so that in the event of a slip or poor footing it is possible to recover without falling.
  • Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top.
  • Do not erect a ladder on sloping ground, on moveable objects, or on slippery or unstable surfaces.
  • Do not erect a ladder in high wind.
  • Do not use a ladder as a substitute for a plank.
  • Do not use a ladder in front of a door which may be opened.
  • Do not tie to a rung when securing a ladder.
  • Do ensure that your ladder is long enough to project well above the highest part of your task by 1 metre.
  • Do keep your hands free for climbing, carry your tools on your belt or use a bag and rope to haul tools onto work site.
  • Do keep children and unauthorised persons away from erected ladders.
  • Do secure ladders that are left unattended from unauthorised use by lashing a plank of appropriate width and length against the lower section of the ladder.
  • Do take care that you do not contact electricity supplies when you position your ladder. (Use the correctly constructed ladder for your task ).
  • Do not use a ladder if you're subject to giddiness or loss of confidence at heights.
  • Do use a ladder mate for window or similar openings, and a stand-off stay when working under eaves or in similar difficult situations.
  • Do have an assistant at bottom of the ladder as a lookout or safety person if appropriate.
  • Do use a safety belt/harness for high work.
  • Do remember the overhang back and front when carrying and turning with a ladder.
  • Do have adequate leads and do not lock on portable electrical tools.
  • Always inspect your ladder for damage prior to use – DO NOT use any ladder which is damaged.
  • Always be aware of your environment before setting up – check for hazards such as power cables, moving vehicles and doors.
  • Always wear appropriate, fully enclosed footware.
  • Always face the ladder when ascending/descending.
  • Always read all instructions present on the ladder before use.
  • Never leave your ladder unattended – children may ascend and fall.


Safe use specific to Extension Ladders

  • Always extend the top of the ladder > 1.0m beyond the top support point.
  • Always lean your ladder at an angle of 1:4 – for each 4m your ladder is extended, it should be 1.0m out from the top support point.
  • Always ensure that the ladder feet and top support point are secure and cannot slip.
  • If using support hooks ensure they are properly engaged.


Safe use specific to Rope and Pulley ladders

Raise the closed ladder as a long ladder, then extend the ladder a few rungs at a time, ensuring that the latching hooks are properly engaged after each extension.


Safe use specific to Step Ladders

  • Always use in the fully open position, with spreader mechanisms engaged.
  • Spread the steps to their fullest span for stability and safety. Wherever possible, place the steps at right angles to the work so as to reduce the chance of a sideways push overturning the steps.
  • Never stand on the top step.
  • Always keep body centred within the stiles of the ladder.
  • Always ensure the ladder is positioned with all feet in contact with the ground and the surface is firm and level.
 

For ladders and planks – call Trade Ladder Sales or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Free call phone: 1800-287-743

Here's a couple of web sites you might find interesting:

For professional waterproofing and bathroom renovations have a look at www.waterproofingaustralia.com.au
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