Good Ladder Practice
Group Members
Members: Alvin Cheum (FM36), Michael Ling (FM36), Jessie Zhang (FM36), Lukmann Yeo (FM36), Lam Kok
Xiang (QS34), Khor Boon Shi (QS34)
DID YOU KNOW?
THERE’S A LOT MORE TO LADDER
SAFETY THAN SAFELY CLIMBING IT.
 Hands on the rungs, or hands gripping the side rails, are both
okay, as long as you use both hands. But ladder safety
doesn’t stop there. Frequently, ladders aren’t properly
secured either at the top or the bottom.
 Ladders should be long enough to extend at least 3 feet
above the landing. And they should be tied off. They should
also be set at a proper angle. A 1 to 4 pitch is recommended.
One foot out for each four feet of height.
 And no matter how convenient it might seem, don’t try to
carry tools and materials up or down the ladder. Use a
hand line to haul them up or down.

Pre-Use Check
 Every time you use a ladder check it beforehand to make
sure it is safe to use. Frequently used ladders only need
one such check a day – except for checking the feet when
moving from soft / dirty ground to a clean area.
 If you spot any problems do not use the ladder or try and
repair it yourself. Remove it from use and report it.
 It is important to store ladders safely. Discuss and agree
what your storage arrangements are.

Usage

Don’t Position:
 Where it can be knocked over.
 Where it can be struck by a passing vehicle.
 Within 6m of an overhead power line.

Check
 The feet are clean and level.
 There is no oil, grease ore loose material.

Make sure:
 The ladder is at the correct height.
 Never use bricks or boxes to gain extra height.

Usage
 Avoid placing ladders on side or back slopes,
especially if surface is wet. You may use a
leveling device.
 To erect a ladder place it’s foot against a fixed
object and raise the other end until upright.
 Ensure ladder is erected right way up.
 When erected the ladder must be at a 75° angle
as this is the best angle for stability.
 Do not place top of ladder against a fragile
surface such as glass or plastic gutters.
 Don’t stand on the top three rungs.
 Make sure ladder rises at least 1m above the
landing place.

Usage
◦ Check all four feet are in
contact with the ground.
◦ Position ladder with rungs
facing work activity and not
side on as this is less stable.
◦ Make sure the ladder is the
correct length.

Usage
 Only use ladder for light duty, short duration
work.
 Do not use a ladder if you have a medical
condition or are taking medication.
 Make sure you wear the right footwear.
 When going up or down a ladder climb one rung
at a time – don’t rush.
 Be careful not to miss the lower rungs when
nearing the bottom of the ladder.
 Maintain 3 points of contact at all times i.e. both
feet & one hand
 Don’t carry heavy or awkward shaped objects on
a ladder
 When carrying items you must keep one hand
free to grip ladder.
 Use a tool belt or line to carry equipment

Usage
 Don’t overreach. Make sure you keep
your belt buckle within the stiles &
both feet on the same rung.
 When working with or close to
electrical equipment use ladders that
do not conduct electricity.
 Don’t throw things from ladder.

Usage – Lean Ladder
 Wherever possible tie a ladder
at the top to prevent from
slipping.
 Use a ladder stability device if
not possible to tie ladder.
 Secure the base of the ladder
by wedging the stiles against
a wall or using a similar heavy
object. See Figure 7.
 As a last resort have a second
person hold the foot of the
ladder.
 Remember to check all safety
conditions have been met.

Usage
 Make sure the ladder legs are fully
open before you go up.
 When working from a stepladder
always make sure you have an
available handhold. This means not
working on the top three rungs.
 Avoid working side on especially
when using force such as when
drilling.
 If this is not possible consider tying
the steps to a suitable point.
 Stepladders should not be used as a
means of access to another level
such as a roof as they become
unstable when you step on and off
of them.

Management
 Review current (step)ladder use:
 Is (step)ladder inspection programme in place and periodic
inspections documented for all (step)ladders
 E.g. dates “date last inspection” or “date next inspection”
marked on (step)ladders, register of all ladders with
inspection dates
 Are all (step)ladders appropriate for use
 E.g. no metal (step)ladders for electrical work; (step)ladders
are long / high enough for intended use, still allowing 3
point contact under all conditions
 Is staff capable to work safely on (step)ladders
 E.g. trained, correct footwear, tool belts, …
 Take corrective action:
 Ensure all staff has access to correct (step)ladder or
alternative elevated work equipment (mobile scaffold,
scissor lift, …), based on risk assessment.