- You may own your own ladder, of either the folding or extending type; or you may have cause to sometimes use a fixed ladder, such as the type permanently affixed to the side of a building. Some basic safety procedures should be used with both types. Never use a ladder if someone else is also using the ladder. You should inspect your ladder regularly to ensure that it is in proper working order. For both fixed and portable ladders, inspect the material of the ladder and check it for corrosion (if the ladder is metal) or for rotting areas (if the ladder is wood). The ladder must be sturdy and should not wobble; checking the material of the ladder will ensure that it is safe to use. If the ladder is not safe for use, post a sign indicating that the ladder should not be used.
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For portable ladders that extend in the middle, place the ladder so that there is a four-to-one ratio between the work space and the top support. An example would be a ladder that is leaned up against the side of a 12-foot tall structure; it should be angled so that the base of the ladder is three feet from the side of the structure (12':3' equals 4:1). In addition, the top of an extendable ladder should extend at least three feet beyond the top of the structure.
Always place portable ladders (whether extendable or folding) on a level, non-skid surface. Check the ladder prior to using it to ensure that the ladder does not wobble. If it does wobble, simply move the ladder to a more stable location. In addition to moving the ladder to a better surface, if at any point you have to reach more than four feet for something while you are working on a portable ladder, then instead of making the reach, simply move the ladder closer.
Never lean a folding ladder against a structure and attempt to use it as if it were an extendable ladder. - Fixed ladders must be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds each, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Because fixed ladders are generally installed to scale very high places, if the total length of the ladder exceeds 24 feet, fall safety equipment (such as self-restricting life lines and rest platforms) must be installed. In addition, if you notice rungs or other damage to the ladder, do not use it until the ladder is repaired. The ladder must be restored to a condition that meets its original design.
