Considering your safety is extremely important when you do any work with ladders. It is essential to follow proper guidelines and safety protocols that can ensure your life's safety. Here we will guide you through the best practices and essential tips that help you stay safe while using ladders.

When to use a ladder?

The height of the work and duration of use will determine the type of ladder you will need. Choosing the right ladder that is tall enough to reach the desired height without overreaching will help you prevent accidents. Do not use ladders on uneven floors and during rain, lightning, or strong winds.

How to use a ladder safely?

Ensure your ladder is fixed properly and on an even surface before you get on to it. Climb up and down slowly, holding the side rails with both hands. Wear non-slippery footwear while climbing stairs to prevent slipping. Don’t try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the treads. Avoid abrupt or jerky movements and do not let anyone else climb with you.

If you feel uncomfortable or dizzy while on the ladder, hold onto the rails firmly, close your eyes, take deep breaths until you feel better, and climb down slowly. When you are descending, make sure to descend one step at a time by holding handrails for support. Never jump or skip treads while descending.

Set up the Ladder Properly

Ensure that the ladder is set up properly on a flattened or steady surface before climbing. Always make use of locking systems or spreaders in extended positions to safeguard yourselves from accidental collapse. Sometimes, when you need to work outdoors or in various terrains, use ladder levellers or stabilise the footing. Never put a rock, wood, or other objects under a ladder leg for levelling as this will compromise balance.

Check the Condition Before Use

Thoroughly inspect the ladder before each use for any indication of defects or damage. Check for cracks, bends, broken treads, missing parts, or loosened screws, and ensure there are no issues with stability. Do not use the ladder if you notice any of the listed defects or feel unsafe.

Maintain Three Points of Contact

It is best practice to use the ‘three-points of contact’ method. This means while climbing ladders, always maintain contact with two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder. Keep your body centred between the side rails and do not lean too far while on the ladder. If you maintain these three points of contact on ladders, you will remain balanced and prevent falls.

Use Ladder Accessories

Consider using ladder accessories such as hooks, stabilisers, ladder belts, standoff brackets, or ladder jacks while working. Do not keep work-related stuff at hand while climbing to avoid slippage and ensure safety. Some stabilisers provide additional support for the ladder, thus enhancing stability and helping to spread the weight on the ladder evenly.

Avoid Distractions

Maintain your attention on the work you are doing from the ladder, as this will help to keep your balance. Avoid other distractions such as conversations with others, phone calls, or texting while you are standing on the ladders to prevent avoidable accidents.

Follow Weight Capacity Instructions

Read the user guidelines before using and be careful about the maximum weight capacity specified by the manufacturer. Note that the weight won’t just be your body weight, but also the accessories or equipment used on the ladder, such as a bucket of paint. Ladders are not designed for handling the load of 2 people, so make sure to go one at a time.

Face the Ladder

Always face the ladder while climbing up and down and use the handrails for support. Ascending or descending with an eye on the steps significantly reduces the risk of falling.

Do Not Overreach

Attempting to grab other distant objects while working is one of the common causes of ladder accidents. Trying to overreach for an object far away from your ladder is not safe. Either buckle yourself with a belt to prevent falling or get down from the ladder and change the position of the ladder to reach that object. Although it is a quicker option, your safety should always come first.

The EN131 Certification

This is a European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) certificate that ensures ladder safety by making ladders wider, stronger, and sturdier. The EN131-certified ladders are the highest-rated ladders in terms of quality and strength. This standard has two classifications, professional and non-professional. The professional standard ladders have been tested 5 times more than non-professional ladders.

The Best Ladders For Safety

Ramsay Ladders Ships Gangway Ladder

This ladder uses hollow aluminium with separate handrails and 30mm rungs fitted through the stiles at a standard rise of 250 mm by a special locking method to prevent turning and for increased strength. The internal width of the ladder is 492mm. The top end of the ladder is fitted with rubber plugs and the bottom has rubber feet. Secure rings are fitted to both sides, the top, and bottom of the ladder.

Drabest EN131 Non-Professional 3-Section Aluminium Combination Ladder

This is a multipurpose aluminium ladder that can be used in three modes: extension ladder, extended free-standing ladder, and step ladder. The lightweight ladder is designed and manufactured for tradesmen. The ladder is equipped with a non-slip stabiliser bar and plastic feet that prevent it from sliding around when you are on task. It also has a set of interlocks that prevent any unwanted spread of the ladder’s legs. This ladder can be arranged in different combinations as well as on stairs. Certified to EN131 for trade use.

Ramsay Aluminium Window Cleaners Ladder (Two Section Push Up)

This range of single and double extension ladders combines the lightness and strength of aluminium to give professional window cleaners a high quality and durable ladder. Fitted with non-slip feet and top of the range white rubber blocks. The roller bar fittings are for safe and easy operation.