Ladders - Securing Portable
How do you secure portable ladders?
- Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load. Do not let the top of the ladder rest on a gutter, window sash, window pane, or anything that can break or move.
- Use wall grips on the risers to prevent side slipping when a ladder is leaning against a smooth surface.
- 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. If a barricade is not possible, have someone hold and guard the bottom of the ladder.
- 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.
- Test the ladder to verify that it is secure.
Document last updated on September 28, 2016
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