Ladder Positioning Techniques

• Ladders placed on unstable or uneven surfaces
• Incorrect ladder angle causing slips or tip-overs
• Overreaching from poor ladder placement
• Ladders struck by doors, vehicles, or equipment
• Contact with overhead electrical hazards
• Falls during climbing, descending, or working from the ladder

Ladder positioning is one of the most important parts of ladder safety. A good ladder can still become dangerous if it is placed on unstable ground, set at the wrong angle, positioned in a traffic path, or used from a poor working location.

Before setting up a ladder, workers should inspect the area where the ladder will be placed. The surface should be firm, level, and capable of supporting the ladder and worker without shifting, sinking, or sliding.

Extension ladders should be placed at the proper angle. If the ladder is too steep, it can tip backward. If it is too flat, the feet can slide out. The ladder should also extend properly above the landing when used for access.

Step ladders should be fully opened and locked before use. They should not be leaned against a wall like an extension ladder unless specifically designed for that purpose.

The ladder should be positioned so the worker can stay centered between the side rails. Overreaching is a common cause of falls, and the safer choice is to climb down and reposition the ladder.

Workers should look for overhead hazards before moving or setting up a ladder. Power lines, lighting, pipes, overhead doors, signs, and equipment can create serious hazards, especially when using metal ladders.

Ladders should be protected from doors, vehicles, forklifts, carts, pedestrians, and other work activity. If the ladder could be struck or displaced, the area should be controlled or another setup should be used.

Proper ladder positioning takes only a few extra moments, but it prevents many serious falls. Set the ladder on stable footing, use the correct angle, control nearby hazards, and reposition instead of stretching.

• Place ladders on firm, level, stable surfaces.
• Use the correct angle for extension ladders.
• Fully open and lock step ladders before use.
• Keep your body centered between the side rails.
• Move the ladder instead of overreaching.
• Check for overhead power lines and obstructions.
• Protect ladders from doors, traffic, vehicles, and equipment.

• Is the ladder positioned on stable, level footing?
• Is the ladder angle correct for safe climbing?
• Can the work be reached without overreaching?
• Could a door, vehicle, worker, or equipment strike the ladder?
• Are there overhead electrical or structural hazards nearby?