Extension Ladder Safety

A. Select the Ladder

Match the duty rating to job

Choose proper length of ladder for job

(Single-section ladder maximum length: up to 30 feet)

(2 section ladder maximum length: 48 feet)

(3+ section ladder maximum length: 60 feet)

Choose ladder of proper material (aluminum, fiberglass, wood)

Inspect ladder for damage and proper operation; tag damaged ladders: “DO NOT USE”

B. Scan the Work Area

Check for electrical hazards (e.g., overhead power lines)

Check for other overhead obstructions (e.g., tree limbs)

Note clutter and traffic patterns in immediate work area; check for tripping/slipping hazards

Locate stable surface to secure base of ladder

Locate firm and secure surface for top of ladder

Note environmental conditions (wind, rain, snow/ice)

C. Inspect the Ladder

Check that rungs, slip-resistant feet, etc. are secure

Check rungs for mud, paint, oil, or other slick/sticky substance

Check for places on ladder that could cause cuts, punctures, or abrasions (e.g., loose screws, bolts, hinges)

Check for damaged ropes and pulleys

Check that rung locks fasten securely

Tag damaged ladders: “DO NOT USE”

D. Set it Up

Use two people to carry and erect ladder whenever possible

Place bottom of ladder below point selected for top support (near base of structure)

Walk ladder up hand-over-hand

Extend ladder 3 feet above resting point on roof or rest it against wall

Verify minimum overlap of ladder sections and that rung locks are properly engaged:

(Up to 36', minimum overlap: 3 feet per section)

(Over 36', up to 48', minimum overlap: 4 feet per section)

(Over 48', up to 60', minimum overlap: 5 feet per section)

Pull bottom of ladder away from structure to set proper angle (1/4 rule: 1 foot of horizontal distance from top support for every 4 ft of ladder length to top support)

Clear clutter, level the bottom, and make sure footing is stable

Ensure that both rails at the top of ladder are supported

Secure ladder at bottom by appropriate means (e.g., staking, digging in)

Set up traffic barrier (or barricade) on ground around work area

E. Test it

Re-check set-up before or during first climb (e.g., levelness, stability of base, rung locks)

Re-check shoes for mud, paint, oil, or other slick/sticky substances

Use spotter for added security at base during first climb

Check for stability while climbing first couple rungs

Tie-off top of ladder whenever possible

F. General Ladder Handling

Use two people to carry and erect ladder whenever possible

Install a hydraulic or mechanical ladder rack on your vehicle to aid loading/unloading

When repositioning ladder more than a few feet, collapse sections before moving

If ladder becomes unstable while carrying it, drop it and get out of the way

Re-inspect dropped ladder; tag damaged ladder: “DO NOT USE”

Store and lock ladder in covered area, free of contaminants (e.g., mud, water, grease)

When lowering ladder, keep fingers away from moving or sliding parts

Note slipping, tripping, and overhead hazards before moving ladder