Many of us have worked with ladders at some point in our lives, either at work or at home. Here are a few tips for using a ladder safely.

• Inspect it for broken, split, or bent rungs and rails. On an extension ladder, inspect the pulleys, ropes and locks for excessive wear and stickiness.  Check the footings and pads to make sure they still provide a non-skid surface. If any defect is found, the ladder should be removed from service. Ladders should only be repaired by an authorized dealer.  Once damaged, most ladders must be properly disposed of by cutting them into pieces to prevent further use.
• When placing a ladder in position for use, make sure the ground is level and stable.  The use of bricks or other material to raise the height of the ladder is strictly prohibited. Use a taller ladder!
• When an extension ladder is used, it should reach a minimum of three feet above the resting surface and should be secured.
• When using extension ladders, follow the 1:4 rule, if you are using a 12-foot ladder, the base should be 3 feet from the structure. Several ladder companies insert a picture on the ladder rail to assist you with proper set up.
• When using a stepladder, make sure the folding cross braces are locked in the proper position before you step onto it. Never use a step ladder while it is leaning against a wall.  The feet may slip out from under you!
• When you climb a ladder up or down, you should always face the rungs and maintain 3 points of contact.  Tools should be brought up in a tool belt or on a pulley system.
• Your body must always be between the side rails of the ladder. By doing so, you greatly increase your chance of staying on the ladder and keeping it upright.
• When climbing an extension ladder, do not use at least three rungs above you.  On a step ladder, do not climb past the second rung from the top of the ladder and never sit on top of the ladder.
• Never connect two ladders together to make a longer ladder!

Always review the manufacture's safety guidelines before using any ladder.  Anyone who uses a ladder in their place of employment must be trained in ladder safety.
For further information visit OSHA Electronic Ladder Safety Document.