Selection of Ladders

Safety Tips On Working From A Ladder For Homeowners

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How often do you use a ladder at home? Are you taking your time and using them correctly? In this article, I’d like to share with you a few tips on selecting the right ladder for the job and cover some basic safety tips when working from a ladder. These two things can save you from a potentially serious fall. Please take the time to read it so you don’t become a statistic!

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths”. This has led to a number of laws and regulations to be put in place to help reduce those types of injuries. Most business owners are there to help enforce those rules to protect their workers.

But what about homeowners? Who’s there to help make sure you are following those best work practices. Chances are nobody. That’s why it’s up to each of us to become familiar with some of these guidelines and best practices to help protect all of us while working from a ladder.

Did you know thousands of people are injured in fall-related accidents every year? On average 200-300 individuals die from their injuries. Most of these deaths are falls from heights of 15 feet or less, with the majority of them occurring in the 6-10 foot range.

As you can see from the statistics, a fall from a ladder doesn’t have to be from a great height to cause serious injuries or death. Ladder safety is pretty straightforward if you apply some basic common sense guidelines. Let’s take a look at some good ways you can reduce the odds of getting injured.

Anatomy of a ladder

First, let’s look at the two most commonly used types of ladders. They are the step ladder and the extension ladder. This article will focus on these two because it will cover 80% of the ladders homeowners own and use. There are a few specialty ladders that can be adjusted, and folded, and used in a variety of different ways. For these types of ladders be sure to read and follow all the manufacturers instructions for proper use.

To better understand and apply the basic safety rules on how to use ladders we’ll need to know their parts. The pictures below have the components labeled. Become familiar with them and refer back to them when we look at the basic ladder safety tips.

Step Ladder

Step Ladder Anatomy
  • 1. Front side rails
  • 2. Rear side rails
  • 3. Rear side support
  • 4. Top cap
  • 5. Rungs/steps
  • 6. Safety shoe/foot

Extension Ladder

Extension Ladder Anatomy
  • 1. Base section (bottom section)
  • 2. Fly section (top section)
  • 3. Side rails
  • 4. Rung/step
  • 5. Rung locks
  • 6. Rope and pulley system
  • 7. Safety shoe/foot

Common Ladder Materials

Ladders used by the average homeowner are typically made of three common materials. Those materials are wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. These properties play a significant role in selecting the right ladder for the job. Let’s take a look at the different materials and the pros and cons of each.

Wood

Wooden ladders are okay for smaller multi-purpose use. Wood ladders are non-conductive as long and they are dry. Wooden ladders are heavier than fiberglass or aluminum. They can also loosen up over time, which can make them unstable. If left outside, wood can be damaged by moisture, splinter and will weaken over time.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass ladders are lighter than wood. More secure than wood and will not loosen up like wood. Their best attribute is they are non-conductive. If stored outside, sun (ultraviolet light) and weather can break down fiberglass over a long period of time.

Aluminum

Much like fiberglass, aluminum ladders are lighter and stronger than wood. Aluminum is also a little lighter than fiberglass. Weather does not affect aluminum as compared to wood and fiberglass. Aluminum ladders are conductive, so they should never be used when working on electrical equipment.

Fiberglass and aluminum are normally used for extension ladders and taller step ladders. Because they are lighter, along with being stronger than wood, makes them the better choice. As a matter of fact, wood is slowly being phased out and being replaced by fiberglass and aluminum because of their superior properties.

Ladder Selection

If you are looking to buy a ladder or need to select one for a particular job, there are a few things you should consider. I personally have four ladders, along with a few step stools. Two of the ladders are made of aluminum and two are fiberglass. I use all of them and they all have their place. Below are some important things to look at when making your decision. This article from Sherwin-Williams has some good guidelines for selecting the correct ladder length.

Ladder Material Selection

When it comes to materials one of the main factors is are you going to be using it for any type of electrical work. If so, you definitely want a non-conductive material. The obvious choice here is fiberglass. If electrical work is not a consideration, then the choice gets down to personal preference. Fiberglass actually offers a little more strength when it comes to the taller extension ladders. However, aluminum is lighter than fiberglass.

Ladder Length Or Height Selection

The Sherwin-Williams article referenced above does a good job of showing you the proper ladder lengths to use. Let’s look at some of the highlights for both stepladders and extension ladders.

Ladder Weigh-Size Rating sticker

When using an extension ladder you should never use one fully extended.  It’s best to have at least three feet of overlap between the base and fly sections.  You should also have three feet of ladder extended above your work. I’ll talk a little more about this below.

For stepladders, the recommended minimum ladder length is four feet below the height of your work. Why’s that? Another rule we’ll look at below is not to stand on the top two steps of a step ladder. Not using those two steps reduces the usable height of the ladder by two feet. The average height of a man in the US is 5’10”. Subtract that two-foot reduction from the 5’10” and you’re left with approximately four feet. That puts your work area right at face level, while on a step ladder.

Ladder Weight Rating

All ladders will have a weight rating. It’s important not to exceed that rating. What many fail to consider is it is not only your personal weight but also the weight of anything you may be wearing. Wearing a heavy coat, a pair of work boots, and something like a tool belt can add up quickly. Just be aware and factor these things in.

Safety Guidelines When Working From A Ladder

Ladder safety is a combination of several things. Ladder selection, proper set up and using the ladder correctly. We’ve already talked a little about ladder selection, so below we’ll look at some the “best practices” related to ladder use. This is the meat and potatoes for ladder safety!

Common Ladder Safety Best Practices

The items in this section can and should be applied to any ladder you use. This includes stepladders, extension ladders, and everything in between.

  • Have a helper – This may not be one you find listed on other websites or safety list, but is one that can make all the difference! The greater the heights, the more important the second person becomes. They can help set up longer heavier ladders, steady the ladder while you climb it, hand up tools or materials, and most importantly they can help in the event of a fall.
  • Inspect your ladder – Before using any ladder it should be checked for any signs of damage or excessive wear. This includes, but is not limited to, dents, bent components, cracks, and loose rungs or supports. Be sure to double-check the weight ratings.
  • Firm, level surface – Your ladder should always be set up on a firm, level surface. If a ladder is set up on an uneven surface, or if one of the feet sink in as little as an inch, that can throw the center of gravity off. Depending on the length of the ladder, an inch on the ground can equate to several inches at the top.
  • Look for hazards – The main one everyone thinks of is electric power lines and for good reason! Be sure to watch out for bird and bee nests. Some species of birds can be aggressive when protecting there young. Also if you’re doing a task like trimming tree branches, make sure the falling branches will not hit the ladder. Think outside the box here. The possibilities are countless.
  • Do not set a ladder in front of a doorway, if possible – This could fall in the hazard section, but I wanted to elaborate a little more on this. Obviously, this will not always be possible, so you should take some special precautions. The simplest way would be to lock the door or barricade it. Consider hanging a sign warning people about the situation. This not only helps protect you, but it protects them from possible falling objects.
  • Only one person on the ladder – Most ladders are not designed for two people. Having two people on the ladder will affect the balance and stability, but more importantly, will more than likely exceed the ladder’s weight limit. This applies to both extension and step ladders. I’ll cover the step ladder a little more below. There’s only one thing worse than having someone fall from a collapsing ladder and that’s having two people fall!
  • Bellybutton between the rails – This is normally referred to as the belt buckle between the rails, but because many of us don’t wear a belt, I wanted to make this perfectly clear. According to many of the statistics I’ve read this is one of the leading causes of falls from ladders! Leaning out to paint that last foot or two of trim. Or to clean that last bit of rain gutter. Leaning outside of the ladder rails changes the center of gravity and can cause the ladder to shift. It can also put you in an awkward position and can cause you to lose your balance. Your helper shouldn’t be afraid to remind you if they see you reaching out. It may be a pain in the rear, but take the time to reposition the ladder to get that last little bit. It could save you, your helper and your family a whole lot of grief!
  • Three points of contact – This rule applies especially when climbing up or down a ladder. Simply put you should always have either both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot on the ladder at all times. This helps with balance and also if a hand or foot slips. The other two points of contact give you a better chance of maintaining control.
  • Do not carry items while climbing – This rule goes along with the three points of contact rule. Any tools or materials needed for your task should be handed to you or pulled up with a rope, once you are safely in position. Here’s another place having a helper is nice.

Stepladder Safety Rules

Here are a few safety rules that apply more specifically to step ladders.

  • Spreader bars fully engaged – Step ladders are designed to be fully opened for proper use. In the fully opened position, the spreader bars should be down and in their lock position. This ensures the ladder is at the correct angle and helps stabilize it.
  • Don’t stand on top two steps – If you lean slightly forward on a step ladder, your knees and shins should come into contact with the above rungs. This offers you a little stability and aids in balance. If you stand on the top two rungs you lose that benefit. It also makes the ladder very top heavy, which will cause it to become even more unstable. These two items combined make it a very dangerous situation. Also, don’t forget the bellybutton rule! Put an imaginary extension on your step ladder front rails going up and stay between them. This is also a very important consideration when selecting the right ladder for the job.
  • Don’t stand on rear side supports – Never stand on the rear side supports of a step ladder. There are step ladders made with rungs on both sides to accommodate a second person. However, be sure to check the weight limits of the ladder and follow the manufactures recommendations.

Extension Ladder Safety Rules

Here are a few safety rules that apply to extension ladders.

  • Proper angle – When setting up an extension ladder they need to be set at the proper angle. From my reading and the use of the smartphone app highlighted below, I’ve learned that angle is 75 degrees. To shallow of an angle, or too steep, your center of gravity puts you at risk of the ladder falling away from the building and makes it more difficult to climb. Too deep of an angle and your weight could put more stress than the ladder is designed to handle, especially when you reach the middle of the ladder. This could cause the ladder to buckle.
    There are a couple of good rule of thumb methods to get you very close to the 75 degrees. The first is the 4:1 rule. For every 4 feet, you go up vertically the ladder feet should come out 1 foot. For example, if you set your ladder up on a 12-foot roof, the feet of the ladder should be out three feet. The second method is to lean the ladder against the building. Now step up to the ladder and touch your toes to the feet of the ladder. Then extend your arms out at a 90-degree angle from your body. Your hands should comfortably rest on the rung in front of you.
  • Secure ladder feet – With the ladder set level and at the proper angle you need to make sure the feet are secure. This is more of an issue when the extension ladders are set up on hard surfaces that are smooth or may be damp. One option is to tie the bottom rung off to the building. This will prevent it from slipping out. You can also have a helper stand on the feet of the ladder and hold it steady. Caution should be used here. Make sure there is no risk of falling objects that could harm them. The second thing is that the helper should be dedicated to holding the ladder for you. They should not be running and be getting materials or tools. That puts the ladder climber at risk.
  • Rung locks fully engaged – When an extension ladder is extended make sure both rung locks are engaged. The ladders are designed with two locks, so one lock may not be enough to support the climber’s weight.
  • If accessing a roof, extend the fly section 3′ above the roofline – This gives you handholds all the way up to where you step off the ladder. It goes back to the 3 points of contact. Use great caution when stepping off a ladder onto a roof. This action can cause the ladder to shift. The same with stepping onto a ladder from a roof. Carefully step onto the ladder, getting your bellybutton centered between the front rails, and get your 3 points of contact established.  There are safety handrails that can be attached to extension ladders.  They made the transition from the ladder to the roof easier and safer.  Click on the link for more information and pricing.
  • A fully extended ladder has less strength – Extending the fly section completely makes the center, overlapping area of the extension ladder the weakest point. An extension ladder should always have at least a 3-foot overlap between the base and the fly sections. Ladders over 36 feet long may require a larger overlap. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions before using your ladder. This is a very important consideration when selecting the right ladder for the job.

NIOSH Smartphone Ladder Safety Application

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) organization has created a ladder safety app for smartphones that is awesome.  It was first introduced to me by the safety specialist, for the company I worked for, during a safety meeting. It’s a free app that has lots of good information and a couple of very useful tools. I highly recommend downloading it and giving it a try. Please take the time to read and follow their instructions for its safe use. Here are a few of the features.

Tools – This app can help you verify that your ladder is set at the proper angle and that it is level. Applying the rules of thumb mentioned above will aid you in getting your ladder safely set up. By using this app you will get a visual verification that will give you peace of mind.  Watch the video below for a brief demonstration.
Ladder Safety Information – The app has a section loaded with ladders safety information too. If you’re ever on a job site and have a safety concern, the answer is right at your fingertips. Caution: this does not replace the need to read the manufacturers instructions for your personal ladder, but it is a great resource that will definitely help with safe ladder usage.

Ladder Safety Accessories

There are many ladder accessories out there that can help improve the safe use of ladders.  If you are faced with an unusual or difficult situation, look to see what is currently available that can help you before improvising a solution.  Amazon has a large selection of ladder accessories.  I’ve placed several of these devices in the list below.  Those links will provide you with more information and current pricing.  While on Amazon search for “ladder accessories” or “ladder safety accessories”. They have many items to help improve ladder safety. FYI, we are a member of the Amazon affiliate program.  For more information read our “Affiliate Disclosure” in the sidebar.

Ladder Safety Accessories

When using these ladder accessories, be sure to follow the manufacture’s instructions.

Conclusion

As you can see there are many factors that go into selecting the right ladder for the job. How tall or long of a ladder do I need? Is it made of the right material for the job? What is my ladder’s weight limit? Then there are many good practices for working from a ladder safely.  I hope this article has pointed out some new, or at least different, ways of looking at things pertaining to ladder safety.

Ladders are a great tool and a must-have for home DIY’ers. But like with any tool, safety has to be at the top of our list. The NIOSH smartphone app has a couple of great tools to help and makes these ladder safety guidelines readily available to you. It’s up to each of us to make sure we work as safely as possible not only at our place of work but at home too. Be safe!

If you have any comments or questions, you can leave them in the comments section below or you can email us at [email protected]. FYI, we do not collect or share email addresses.  We will only use them to reply to your comments or provide answers to your questions. We are also required to let you know that some of our links are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we could make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps offset the cost of maintaining our website. So, if you like what you’ve seen, please be sure to give us a “Like” and “Share” on Facebook and Instagram too.  Thank you for reading and good luck with all your home projects!

2 thoughts on “Safety Tips On Working From A Ladder For Homeowners”

  2. Thomas Clarence

    It’s great that this article mentioned that having a second person to help you while working on a ladder is really important. My father is planning on doing some work on our roof this weekend, and he wants to buy a ladder with an extension so that he can get all of his work complete. It might be a good idea for him to ask one of his neighbors to help him so that he doesn’t fall off and get hurt.

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