Do's & Don'ts For Ladder Use
Ladders are such common everyday tools that many workers take them for granted. As you read the safety guidelines, you may say: “I know that, that’s just plain common sense.” You can avoid a ladder injury if you think before you act and use ladders correctly. Your work will be easier and more productive, too. Most ladder related injuries are preventable, if you think before you climb.
THE RIGHT WAY TO USE A LADDER
RIGHT
Properly set-up and use the ladder in accordance with safety instructions and warnings. Wear suitable footwear with non-slip soles.
RIGHT
Center body on the ladder and keep belt buckle between the rails while maintaining a firm grip.
RIGHT
Haul materials with a line rather than carry them up an extension ladder. Use extra caution when carrying anything on a ladder.
RIGHT
Climb facing the ladder, move one step at a time and firmly set one foot before moving the other. Maintain 3 points of contact whilst working from a ladder.
RIGHT
Have another person help with a heavy ladder. Have another person hold the ladder while you are working on it.
RIGHT
Move materials with extreme caution. Be careful pushing or pulling anything while on a ladder. You may lose your balance or tip the ladder.
THE WRONG WAY TO USE A LADDER
WRONG
DON'T stand on the top 3 steps (including step ladder top) of a swingback step ladder or the top 3 rungs of an extension ladder.
WRONG
DON'T climb a closed step ladder.
DON'T climb on the back of a step ladder.
DON'T stand or sit on a step ladder top or tool tray.
WRONG
DON'T climb a ladder if you are not physically and mentally up to the task.
WRONG
DON'T climb a closed ladder, it may slip out from under you. DON'T place the base of an extension ladder too close to or too far away from the building.
WRONG
DON'T overreach, lean to one side or try to move a ladder while on it. Climb down and then reposition the ladder closer to your work.
WRONG
DON'T exceed the maximum load capacity or duty rating of a ladder. DON’T permit more than one person on a step ladder or an extension ladder.
SAFETY BEFORE YOU USE A LADDER
Use our quick checklist before you even step on one.
Ladder Checklist