Ladder Safety

By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety

Spring and summer are the perfect times to tackle home improvement projects. When making home repairs a ladder is one of the most commonly used tools. Each step you take toward the top should be a safe one, but regular ladder users can be more likely to cut corners when it comes to safety.

Not all ladders are created equal, and different styles are designed to keep you safe in different situations and conditions. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right ladder for any job.

Ladder Selection

• Select the right ladder style. Choosing the correct ladder will help you stay safe when climbing or standing to perform a specific task.

•Pick the right material. Aluminum ladders are lightweight and durable but are not weather-resistant or nonconductive. Fiberglass ladders are weather-resistant and have non-conductive side rails which make them a safe choice around electrical components.

•Make sure the height is correct. Pick the ladder height that’s correct for the job. Extension ladders should be 7 to 10-feet longer than your highest support point.

•Make sure you choose a ladder that provides ample reach. A safe reach height is no more than 4 feet from the top of the ladder.

• Check ladder duty ratings or maximum load capacity before purchase. Light duty ladders typically hold 200 lbs., medium duty and painter’s and handyman ladders hold about 225 lbs. Heavy duty, heavy duty industrial ladders and special duty ladders can hold 250 to 375 lbs.

Once you’ve selected the right ladder for the job, it’s time to get to work. Use these safety tips to protect yourself.

Ladder Inspection Tips

• Before using, always check and inspect to make sure your ladder is in tip-top shape.

• Clean your ladder regularly.

• Check to make sure all moving parts work properly and are secured in place.

Climbing Safety Tips

• Face the ladder and keep three points of contact when climbing. Two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet is considered safe.

• Make sure your ladder’s feet are firmly and securely on the ground.

• Use the rungs as grips. Keep your body centered on the ladder.

• Never climb with your back to the ladder.

• Wear the right shoes – work boots or work shoes.

Ladder Accessories to Keep You Safe

• Ladder levelers. These level the ladder on uneven surfaces.

• Ladder stabilizers. Great for high up or hard-to-reach work. Ladder stabilizers are often used by painters to tackle second story trim since they can straddle windows.

• Project trays. There are a variety of purpose-specific or general project trays that connect right to your ladder.

The 4-to-1 Rule

For every 4 feet you climb up a ladder, you should move the ladder 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface on which it's placed. If you climb 8 feet up a ladder, for example, you should move it 2 feet away from the wall or vertical surface.

Basic Safety Guidelines

• Ladders should be set on firm, level ground. Never use bricks or boards to level your ladder.

• Never carry any tool or equipment up a ladder that might cause you to lose your balance. Heavy tools and equipment should be raised using a rope or lift.

• If you are working at height from a ladder, make sure you lean your leg or hip into the ladder to maintain balance and contact with the ladder.

• The most important rule of ladder use is to keep your body between the side rails. Never overreach. If you can't reach something without leaning outside of the side rails, climb down and move the ladder over.