■ Inspect the ladder before use. Check the ladder for loose or damaged rungs, steps, rails or braces as well as loose screws, bolts, hinges and other hardware. Rickety ladders that sway or lean to the side must be rejected. If the ladder has a defect that cannot be repaired completely, do not use the ladder and dispose of it properly, ideally by destroying it so no one else will use the ladder.
■ Set up the ladder with care. Always position your ladder on firm, level ground and lock, block open, or guard any nearby door that opens toward the ladder. When using a straight ladder, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall or other vertical surface for every 4 feet of height to the point of support. lf using the ladder to access a roof or platform, the ladder must extend above the edge at least 3 feet and be tied off at the top.
■ Climb and descend cautiously. Always face the ladder, use both hands, and center your weight between the ladder’s rails. Don’t overreach, don’t climb too high on the ladder, and don’t miss a rung when descending. Always maintain three points of contact to minimize the risks of slipping or falling. If you must use tools on the ladder, carry them in a tool belt or raise and lower them with a hand line.
■ Use common sense when working on a ladder. Maintain balance when on the ladder, making sure not to reach too far to either side or to the rear. Never climb higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder or the third from the top on a straight ladder. Ensure that only one person is working on the ladder at any time unless the ladder is specifically designed for more than one climber.
Photo by garetsvisual and graphic by macrovector, both from Freepik.
