Ladder Safety Rules

7501 E. Lowry Blvd.

Denver, CO 80230-7006

Phone 303-361-4000

LADDER SAFETY RULES

Before using any ladder, check it for defects. Look for missing or damaged rungs, feet or hardware, cracks in the side rails, and corrosion or other damage in metal ladders. Repair or replace a damaged ladder. Do not use a ladder that is in disrepair.
As soon as a ladder is placed, it must be tied off at the top and firmly placed at the bottom.
Never put ladders on top of boxes, tables, drums, forklifts, etc.
When placing a ladder, be certain the side rails extend three feet above the top landing. This usually means placing the third rung even with the landing edge.
Extension ladders must overlap a minimum of three rungs. Always ensure the hardware is fully engaged.
Ladders should be placed so that the distance from the foot to the wall is ¼ the length to the landing edge. The number of rungs from the ground to the landing edge will be the same length as the ladder, thus allowing for estimation of the height to the landing edge.
Always wear shoes or boots with substantial soles when using a ladder. Ensure boots or shoes are relatively clean, with no large amounts of mud, tar, or other substances on the soles.
Never place a ladder in front of a door unless the door is locked, blocked, or otherwise guarded.
Do not use ladders in a horizontal position as runways or as scaffolds. Single and extension ladders are designed for use in a nearly vertical position and cannot be safely used in a horizontal position, or with the base at a greater distance from the support than ¼ the length of the ladder.
Do not place a ladder against a windowpane or sash. Securely fasten a board (not with nails) across the top of the ladder to give a bearing at each side of the window.
When placing a portable ladder, make certain that both side rails have secure footing. Always provide a solid footing on soft ground to prevent the ladder from sinking.
Never lean a ladder against unsafe backing, such as loose boxes or barrels, posts, tree trunks, and so on.
Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands when going up or down. Do not carry things up or down a ladder. If tools or material must be handled, raise or lower them with a rope either after climbing up or before going down to the desired level.
Do not allow more than one person at a time to use a ladder.
Keep ladders away from power lines. Assume all electrical lines are energized.
Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on straight or extension ladders, or the second tread from the top on stepladders.
Do not use makeshift ladders, such as cleats fastened across a single rail.
Before starting to climb a stepladder, ensure that the ladder is fully open and the spreader/divider is locked in place.
If a ladder is to be replaced, immediately cut it in half to prevent its further use.
Do not use painted ladders as the paint may conceal cracks or splits.
Keep ladders clean and free from dirt and grease, which might conceal defects.
A ladder must be set in a clear space, both on the ground and on the landing edge level, so that it is not necessary to climb over a pile of scrap to get onto the ladder, or necessary to dodge a “hot” line or other debris to get off of the ladder.
Do not use a ladder in a strong wind except in an emergency, and then only when it is securely tied.
Do not leave a placed ladder unattended, especially outdoors, unless it is anchored at the top and bottom.
Never reach off to the sides while on a ladder.