Safe use of your Ladder

  • Always inspect your ladder for damage prior to use.
  • DO NOT use any ladder which is damaged.
  • Be aware of your environment before setting up. Check for hazards such as power cables, moving vehicles and doors.
  • Wear appropriate, full enclosed footwear.
  • Face the Ladder whenever ascending or descending.
  • Read all the instructions on the ladder before use.
  • Never leave your ladder unattended.

Step Ladders

  • Always use in the fully open position, with spreader mechanism engaged.
  • Keep your body centered within the stiles of the ladder.
  • Ensure the ladder is positioned with all the feet in contact with the ground and the surface is firm and level
  • Never stand on the top step.

Extension Ladders

  • Always ensure that the lader feet and top support are secure and cannot slip.
  • Extend the top of the ladder to at least 1m above the top support point.
  • Lean your ladder at an angle of 1:4 for each 4m your ladder is extended, it should be 1m out from the top support point.
 

Choosing your Ladder

  Domestic or Industrial?

Domestic ladders refers to "a ladder designed to be used by a householder for construction, maintenance and repairs carried out at a private dwelling for non-commercial purposes" (AS/NZS1892.1:1996 pg7).
 
Industrial ladders are "any ladder other than a domestic ladder" (AS/NZS1892.1:1996 pg7), generally intended for trade and commercial use where strength, durability and dependability are a premium.
 

  Aluminium or Fibreglass?

As a general rule, fibreglass ladders are recommended and in most cases mandatory when working in a electrical environment. A fibrelass ladder provides isolation between the user and earth, reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of electrocution.

Aluminium ladders provide little electrical isolation for users, and are therefore not recommended for use in electrical environments. Aluminium ladders are lighter than fibreglass, and are perfect for use in all non-electrical environments.
 

  Height Selection

Step Ladder
Choose a ladder 0.6 shorter than the height you wish to reach.
Some examples:
Height to reach     Ladder Height
1.8m                        1.2m Ladder
2.4m                        1.8m Ladder
3.0m                        2.4m Ladder

Extension Ladder
Choose a ladder 1.5m longer than the height you wish to reach.
Some examples:
Height to reach     Ladder Height
2.4m                        3.4m Ladder minimum
3.7m                        4.7m Ladder minimum
5.0m                        6.0m Ladder minimum
 
 
 

Safe Step Ladder use Safe Step Ladder use
Safe Extension Ladder use Safe Extension Ladder use