Ladder Selection and Safety: A Rung-by-Rung Guide

1. The Right Style

• Extension ladders require a rigid structure for support, and often are used for painting and roof access. Unlike stepladders, extension ladders are designed to allow workers to step off onto an elevated surface. When exiting, take special care not to kick or bump the ladder into an unsafe angle or tip it over.
• Step ladders are best for working at relatively low elevations and where there is no structure against which to safely tilt an extension ladder. Fully extend the A frame and lock the spreader bars in place. Ensure workers to never climb beyond the third rung from the top.
• Articulated, multi-use ladders have locking hinges, allowing them to be used as step or straight ladders. They can be configured into inverted U shapes and used as scaffolding frames. Bending them into A-frames with one truncated leg makes them safe to use on stairs.

2. The Right Length

• Section overlap to provide stability
• Extension above the roofline or another target, to ease transition off and onto the ladder
• Setback of one foot for every four feet in vertical ascension

For stepladders, the highest safe rung is two rungs from the top. From this position, the worker’s torso, and arms will extend beyond the top of the ladder, adding about four feet to a ladder’s effective length. For instance, a person standing on the fourth rung of a six-foot stepladder (about four feet off the ground) can reach about eight feet, enough to install light fixtures, paint walls, hang art, etc.

3. The Right Material

Construction safety is the number one priority regardless of the project. Natural and man-made obstacles can make using ladders hazardous. If you use solvents or acids materials, consider using ladders made from corrosive-resistant aluminum, and clean the rungs and handrails before and after each use. Use non-conductive fiberglass ladders when working near overhead powerlines, but always keep ladders at least 10 feet from electrical wires.

4. The Right Performance

Ladders are rated by the load – including the user, their tools, and any materials they haul up, such as shingles or paint. Ladders used in harsh conditions – construction sites, inclement weather, etc. – will require higher ratings than those used in light applications around the house.

5. The Right Precautions

• Inspect all ladders before use; look for dents, cracks, loose bolts, etc.
• Place the ladder on an even surface. Attach shoes or stabilizers if the footing is wobbly.
• Climb in the center, and do not climb with bulky or cumbersome loads that cause you to lose your balance.
• Always face the ladder when climbing, and maintain contact with the ladder having three of your four extremities touching– both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot.
• Never try to “walk” a ladder to a new location while standing on it, and never move a ladder when someone else is on it.
• Check out the Power Bolt and Tool’s Ladder Safety Guide to learn more ladder safety practices.

Reach New Heights with Construction Ladders