Even the most experienced ladder users can learn something new about better ways to use their ladders, and it's often these old hands who come up with new safety devices and accessories for ladder users because they have literally been there and done it.

We particularly like a tip from Reuben Saltzman, which is to use electrical tape on the parts of your ladder that will be rested against a house or a wall.  The electrical tape stops the ladder marking the surface it rests against, which is very important for tradespeople who regularly use ladders around a customer's home.  You could also use rubber or self-amalgamating tape to provide some grip, as well as protection.  Rubber tape can also be useful for adding grip to ladder rungs and for providing a softer edge with a better grip to tool or paint trays for your ladder. 

There are plenty of apps out there for safe ladder use which help you set the ladder up at the right angle, but if you haven't got your phone on you, or it's out of battery it's worth knowing this handy tip to ensure the correct angle – put the ladder roughly in position, then place your toes against the ladder feet.  Extend your arms out from the shoulders – if you can just about grip the rung with your hand, the ladder is at the right angle.  If you can get your wrists over the rung with your arms extended, the ladder is at too acute an angle and is dangerous to climb.  If you can't reach the rungs at all, or can only get your fingertips on it then the ladder is at too shallow an angle and is equally dangerous to climb.

The parts of a ladder which are most prone to damage and wear and tear are the feet, which should be replaced when they show any signs of damage.  The ladder feet are intrinsic to the grip and security of the ladder on any surface – without them the ladder would be very unstable.  If one or both are cracked it is not safe to use the ladder, especially on a hard surface where the pressure of someone climbing on the ladder may further damage the feet.  A good tip to deal with this is to always buy a set of replacement feet when you buy a new ladder.  This means you'll always have a spare pair of feet, so you can get on with the task at hand without compromising on time or safety.  If your ladder is still in good condition when you replace the feet, then order a new set straight away.  That way, when the replacement feet eventually wear out you'll be able to put the new set on immediately, keeping your ladder in service at all times.

Do you have a ladder safety tip you want to share with the world?  Drop us a line and your tip could be shared on our blog.