
Positioning and Erecting the Ladder
1) Ladder shall be erected at the correct position, such as the correct angle for a
leaning ladder (angle of inclination approximately 1:4) with the rungs or treads
level and complete opening of a standing ladder;
2) Locking devices, if fitted, shall be fully secured before use;
3) Ladder shall be on an even, level and unmoveable base;
4) Leaning ladder should lean against a flat nonfragile surface and should be
secured before use, e.g. tied or use of a suitable stability device;
5) Ladder shall never be repositioned from above;
6) When positioning the ladder, consider the risk of collision with the ladder, e.g.,
from pedestrians, vehicles, or doors.Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows
where possible in the work area;
7) Identify any electrical risks in the work area, such as overhead lines or other
exposed electrical equipment;
8) Ladder shall be stood on its feet, not the rungs or steps;
9) Ladders shall not be positioned on slippery surfaces (such as ice, shiny
surfaces or significantly contaminated solid surfaces) unless additional effective
measures are taken to prevent the ladder from slipping or ensure contaminated
surfaces are sufficiently clean.
Using the Ladder
1) Do not exceed the maximum total load for the type of ladder;
2) Do not overreach; user should keep their belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles
and both feet on the same step/rung throughout the task;
3) Do not step off a leaning ladder at a higher level without additional security,
such as tying off or use of a suitable stability device;
4) Do not use standing ladders for access to another level;
5) Do not stand on the top three steps/rungs of a leaning ladder;
6) Do not stand on the top two steps/rungs of a standing ladder without a platform
and hand/knee rail;
7) Do not stand on the top four steps/rungs of a standing ladder with an extending
ladder at the top;
8) Ladders should only be used for light work of short duration;
9) Use non-conductive ladders for unavoidable live electrical work;