• How do you secure portable ladders?

How do you secure portable ladders?

• Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load.
• Attach a ladder stay across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.
• Guard or fence off the area around a ladder erected in an area where persons have access.
• Secure the ladder firmly at the top to prevent it from slipping sideways or the foot from slipping outwards.
• Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to the tie off to, use a stake in the ground.

• Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where ladder is to be used at a constant height.
• Do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose.
• Secure the base of a ladder to prevent accidental movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top.
• Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise nail a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side rails.

Want more information?

Document last updated on September 30, 2010

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety