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16.04.2010

How to secure your portable ladder

Before you mount that portable ladder learn what precautions you must take to
secure it and avoid becoming an injury statistic. Falls from portable ladders
are a common cause of workplace injuries often because the ladder is not used
properly. Follow these 10 tips to secure your ladder and be safe on the climb.


  • Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load.

  • Attach a ladder stay across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.

  • Guard or fence off the area around a ladder erected in an area where persons have access.

  • Secure the ladder firmly at the top to prevent it from slipping sideways or the foot from slipping outwards.

  • Station a person at the foot of a ladder when it is not possible to tie at the top or secure it at the foot. This is effective only for ladders up to 5 m (16 ft.) long.

  • Ensure that the person at the foot of the ladder faces the ladder with a hand on each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung.

  • Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where the ladder is to be used at a constant height.

  • Do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose.

  • Secure the base of a ladder to prevent accidental movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top.

  • Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise nail a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side rails.



More information:


AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety