Although fortunately rare, accidents involving ladders can be fatal. They can be caused by the user not focusing on what they’re doing or paying attention to how the ladder should be used.

Before you pull your ladder out to use it, run through these safety tips to keep yourself safe.

Is the Ladder Safe?

• Get the right ladder for the job. If your ladder doesn’t stretch to where you want to reach, it can be dangerous. Some people overstretch and put themselves in danger. Another situation that can be dangerous is when the ladder is too long. Accidents can be caused by people using the wrong ladder to get into the loft, it’s important to get one fitted.
• Inspect your ladder regularly. Ladders that are stored outside can absorb water from rainfall. This can lead to loosened rungs which can make the ladder unstable. Sometimes wooden rungs crack or screws or rivets rust and break away. Larger ladders may have pulleys and ropes that should be checked, all repairs should be made promptly. Check that your rungs are clean of dirt and dust.
• Transport safely. Ladders on a vehicle should be secured to a proper ladder rack. If it hangs out the back of the vehicle, it needs to have a warning flag attached to it so that it’s clearly visible to anybody who may travel behind the vehicle. It is far safer to have two people carry a long ladder than one and ideally it will be carried above head height to avoid inadvertently hitting somebody.
• Correctly position the ladder. The ladder must not lean to one side and should be rested at an angle of 75 degrees from the floor.
• Provide support at both ends. The top of the ladder needs to be rested on something that is stable and nonslip. If possible, try to tie it securely to a fixing, so that only the first and last climb are not as safe as the others. You should also ensure that the top rises approximately 3 feet from the top point of the landing.

By following these tips, you should be able to keep yourself safer whilst using your ladders.