This document provides step-by-step instructions for ladder safety. It details how to select the proper ladder based on use and weight limits, how to determine length, inspect ladders for defects, transport ladders safely, set up ladders at the proper angle, climb ladders facing the rungs with three points of contact, avoid hazards like overreaching or side loads, properly care for and store ladders, and inspect ladders on a regular basis to catch defects. Following these guidelines helps ensure ladder safety.

1. STEP-BY-STEP
LADDER SAFETY
By Louisville Ladder Corporation

2. SELECTING A
LADDER
 What is going to be the specific use?
 What potential hazards are in the area?
 What is the physical layout?
 Weight of the ladder consideration?

3. LADDER DUTY RATING*
*Add the user’s weight plus all protective equipment, tools, and supplies.
Type IA - Duty rating of 300 pounds.
Type I - Duty rating of 250 pounds.
Type II - Duty rating of 225 pounds.
Type III - Duty Rating of 200 pounds.
*There is no relationship between length and duty
rating! ANSI requires Duty Rating Sticker.

4. DETERMINING THE
LENGTH
 Never stand on or above the second step from
the top of a step-ladder.
 Never stand on the top three rungs of an
extension ladder.

5. SELECTING
STEPLADDERS
Ladder Size Approx. Highest Level
4’ 1’11”
5’ 2’10”
6’ 3’9”
7’ 4’9”
8’ 5’8”
10’ 7’7”
12’ 9’6”
14’ 11’5”
16’ 13’4”

6. SELECTING
EXTENSION LADDERS
Ladder Extended Maximum
Size Length Height
16’ 13’ 9.5’
20’ 17’ 13.5’
24’ 21’ 17.0’
28’ 25’ 21.0’
32’ 29’ 25.0’
36’ 32’ 28.0’

7. OVERLAP OF
EXTENSION LADDERS
Ladder Size Type I & IA Type II & III
Up To 32’ 3’ 3’
32’ To 36’ 4’ 4’
36’ To 48’ 5’ 5’
Over 48’ 6’ ----

8. INSPECTING A
LADDER
 Feet are not broken; slip pads are secure.
 Check for cracks on each individual part.
 Check hardware, fittings, connections, and
accessories.
 Test rope and pulley.
 Be sure all bolts and rivets are in place and
secure.
 Make sure ladder is free of foreign material.

9. TRANSPORTING
A LADDER
 Never transport or reposition an extension ladder
without complete retraction.
 When possible, use two persons.
 If one person is carrying, keep front higher than
back.
 Secure both ends when carrying on a vehicle.

10. SETTING UP
A LADDER
 RID THE AREA OF HAZARDS!
 Look above for wires or obstructions.
 Clear clutter from area.
 Block off area so people or equipment won’t
interfere.
 If close to a corner or near a door, use a guard
and/or proper signage.

11. SETTING UP A LADDER
(Extension Ladder)
 75.5 from the horizontal is optimum
resistance to sliding, ladder strength, and
balance (angle of inclination).
 One-Quarter Rule - One foot away from
wall or object for each four feet of ladder’s
length.
 Place feet against object and “walk” ladder
up; then position.

12. SETTING UP A LADDER
(Self-Supporting Ladder)
 Place so all four legs are on solid level surface.
 Use extension levelers on uneven surface.
 Never use a self-supporting ladder as a straight
ladder.
 Do not side load! Keep center-of-gravity
between hand rails.
 Never use the top or top two steps to stand on.

13. PROPER CLIMBING
 Unsafe acts and unsafe conditions cause 98% of
injury incidents.
 Eliminate haste, sudden movements, lack of
attention, and damaged or worn equipment.
 Don’t carry heavy or bulky objects up the ladder.
Use towline.
 Keep three body parts in contact with the ladder
at all times.

14. PROPER CLIMBING
 Always face the ladder while climbing or
working.
 Keep your belt buckle between the rails.
 Climb slowly and surely
 When climbing onto a roof, don’t step over the
top of the ladder.
 When climbing onto a roof, have 3 feet
extending over contact point.

15. AVOIDING HAZARDS
 Read and follow all instruction labels.
 Don’t try to move ladder while on it.
 Don’t use boards, boxes, etc. to give greater
height.
 One person at a time on a ladder.
 Never use a ladder on scaffolding.

16. AVOIDING HAZARDS
 Never lean ladder against an unstable surface.
 Don’t connect two ladders together.
 Never leave a ladder unattended.
 Don’t try to use a ladder for an unintended
purpose.
 Do not allow children to climb a ladder.

17. LADDER CARE
 Regularly clean and lubricate moving parts.
 Clean rungs and steps as needed.
 Never paint a wooden ladder. May use a clear
protective coating.
 Store ladders by hanging. Support every 6 feet.

18. LADDER CARE
 Keep away from extreme heat and cold.
 Keep non-conductive ladders free from any
conductive material.
 Handle with care; never bang or drop.

19. LADDER CARE
 A single person should be assigned to
periodically inspect each ladder.
 Documentation of the inspection should be
available for any request.
 No ladder should be returned to service that
contains defects until adequately repaired.
 Ladders beyond repair should be destroyed.

20. QUESTIONS
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