Following these safety tips, will help you setup your ladder safely.

Straight & Extension Ladders

·                     Watch for overhead obstructions and power lines.

·                     Never use a ladder in a strong wind.

·                     A ladder should not be placed in front of a door  (especially one that opens toward you) unless the door  is locked, blocked or guarded.

·                     When you use a ladder to reach a roof, make sure the ladder extends at least 3 feet (about 3 rungs) beyond the roof edge.

·                     Before positioning the ladder, check for insect or bird nests under the eaves; the top of a ladder is no place to discover a wasp nest.

·                     Keep the area around the ladder base free of clutter.

·                     Rest the ladder base on a solid, level surface.  Large flat wooden boards can be used to level the surface on uneven ground or to keep it from sinking into soft ground.

·                     To position the ladder properly, make sure the ladder is about 1 foot away from the vertical support for every 4 feet of ladder height between the base support and the top support.  This will produce an angle of about 75 degrees.

·                     When using an extension ladder, raise it to its desired height, being sure the locks engage properly on both sides of  the ladder.

·                     If possible, secure the ladder.  Tie a straight ladder as close as you can to the upper support point.

Stepladder

·                     Many of the safety tips for straight and extension ladders also apply to stepladders.

·                     Erect a stepladder on a flat, level surface.  Do not place it on a table or any similar platform for added height.

·                     Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.

·                     Before climbing a stepladder, make sure the legs are fully extended and the spreader locked.

Ladder Inspection

·                     Are the steps firmly anchored to the side rails.

·                     Are the steps and other surfaces free of oil, grease, water, paint or dirt.

·                     Are the rungs, rails, braces, ropes, uprights or siderails loose or damaged.

·                     Are there knots or decayed areas on a wooden ladder.

·                     If the ladder has been dropped, inspect it thoroughly before using again.

·                     Tag and remove damaged ladders for repair or replacement.