How to Choose and Setup Your Ladder Safely

1. Straight & Extension Ladders: Watch for overhead obstructions and power lines.

2. Straight & Extension Ladders: Never use a ladder around strong lines.

3. Straight & Extension Ladders: A ladder should not be place in front of a door (especially one that opens toward you) unless the door is locked, blocked or guarded.

4. Straight & Extension Ladders: When you use a ladder to reach a roof, make sure the ladder extens at least 3 feet (about 3 rungs) beyond the roof edge.

5. Straight & Extension Ladders: Before positioning the ladder, check for insect or bird nests under the eaves; the top of a ladder in no place to discover a wasp nest.

6. Straight & Extension Ladders: Keep the area around the ladder base free of clutter.

7. Straight & Extension Ladders: Rest the ladder base on a solid, level surface. Large flat wooden boards can be used to level the surface on uneven ground or to keep it from sinking into soft ground.

8. Straight & Extension Ladders: To position the ladder properly, make sure the ladder is about 1 foot away from the vertical support for every 4 feet of ladder height between base support and the top support. This will produce an angle of about 75 degrees.

9. Straight & Extension Ladders: When using an extension ladder, raise it to desired height, being sure the locks engage properly on both sides of the ladder.

10. Straight & Extension Ladders: If possible, secure the ladder. Tie a straight ladder as close as you can to upper support point.

11. Stepladder: Many of the safety tips and extension ladders also apply to stepladders.

12. Stepladder: Erect a stepladder on a flat, level surface. Do not place it on a table or any similar platform for added height.

13. Stepladder: Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.

14. Stepladder: Before climbing a stepladder, make sure the legs fully extended and the spreader locked.

15. Ladder Inspection: Are the steps firmly anchored to the side rails.

16. Ladder Inspection: Are the steps and other surfaces free of oil, grease, water, paint or dirt.

17. Ladder Inspection: Are the rungs, rails, braces, ropes, uprights or siderails loose or damaged.

18. Ladder Inspection: Are there knots or decayed areas on a wooden ladder.

19. Ladder Inspection: If the ladder has been dropped, inspect it thoroughly before using again.

20. Ladder Inspection: Tag and remove damaged ladders for repair or replacement.

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