Ladders are the most common source of accidents. If using a ladder:
Make sure:
- new ladders meet European Safety Standards
- your ladder doesn’t have any dents, cracks or warps
- the ladder will hold your full weight and whatever you’re carrying
- you have someone to help you when using an extension
Tip
Hire scaffolding if you have a lot of work to do
- the ladder is properly angled: one measure out for every four measures up
Tip
Ladders at too shallow an angle are as likely to fall as those fixed too steeply
- you lean your ladder against a stable surface (not a window or guttering)
- your ladder is positioned on a level surface and firmly secured
- you move up the ladder, rather than over-reaching
