Portable Ladder Best Practices

In order to ensure the safe use of portable ladders, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Read and follow all labels and markings on the ladder.
• Avoid electrical hazards. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Never use metal ladders near electrical equipment.
• Always inspect the ladder before using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
• Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.
• Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks, or hooks) for their designed purposes.
• Ladders used to gain access to a roof or other area must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support.
• Never use ladders in a horizontal position as scaffolds or work platforms.
• Use ladders at an angle, where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-fourth of the working length of the ladder (that is, the length along the ladder between the foot and the top support).
• Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet.
• Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder.
• Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.

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