A six step guide to using an extension ladder on a slope | Browns (2024)
Ladders can be used for many different applications. People use ladders to get on top of roofs, decorate, cleaning out gutters and many other commercial and domestic tasks.
Working with a ladder on a slope can be a very dangerous task. We’ll talk you through how to use a ladder on a slope in six steps to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Here are six steps to help you use ladders on a slope safely.
Before you get started you will need an extension ladder suitable for the height you require, a ladder leveller such as a Big Grip Ladder Stabiliser, x2 lashing straps and a rope.
Inspect the ladder to establish that it’s in good condition such as no loose rungs, no movement in the stiles & the feet are in good condition.
Examine the area where the ladder will be positioned – the area must be a clean, solid surface.
Ladders should not be used on a suitable surface where the side slope is greater than 16° or the back slope is greater than 6°, unless the manufacturer states otherwise (see image below).
Extend the ladder and lean it up against the building/wall. Set up the ladder at the correct angle which should be 1 metre out for every 4 metres up or 75°. The rungs should always look horizontal and an appropriate levelling device should be used such as a Big Grip Ladder Stabiliser or the LSD Ladder Leveller.
Climb up the ladder until you reach the top and tie both stiles to a suitable point using a rope.
Where possible, secure the middle of the ladder by tying a lashing kit around the stiles and fixing with an eyebolt.
We recommend that a thorough risk assessment is carried out prior to working at height.
Where this is not practical, use a safe, unsecured ladder or a ladder supplemented with an effective ladder stability device recommended by suppliers/manufacturers that is stable enough to be used unsecured in a worst-case scenario.
By considering these six steps before using your ladders on a slope, you will be much safer and lesslikelyto be the victim of a work at height accident.
Extend the ladder and lean it up against the building/wall.Set up the ladder at the correct angle which should be 1 metre out for every 4 metres up or 75°. The rungs should always look horizontal and an appropriate levelling device should be used such as a Big Grip Ladder Stabiliser or the LSD Ladder Leveller.
To secure a ladder on a slanted roof, use ladder stabilizers or standoff brackets to provide additional stability. Ensure the ladder is positioned securely and use roofing brackets or other accessories to prevent slipping.
Extension Ladders should be erected as close to a pitch of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal as possible for optimum resistance against the bottom of the ladder sliding out, strength of the ladder, and balance of the climber.
Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder. Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder.
Ladders shall extend at least 36 inches (0.91 m) above the upper support level if employees are to leave or mount the ladder at that level, except that where such extension is impractical other equivalent means such as grab bars may be used to provide a hand grip.
All non-self supported ladders should extend a minimum distance of 3 feet past the edge they rest against but not more than 4 feet. As with any ladder, extension ladders should be at the proper height and angle for optimum safety and stability.
Extension ladders must be placed at the proper angle. Use a 4:1 ratio for setting ladders (approximately 75 degrees) - for every four feet in height, the base of the ladder should be moved one foot out from the wall or structure.
Set up your ladder at the right angle and in the right location (avoid overreaching). Figure 5 gives guidance in relation to setting up ladders on slightly sloped ground. The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees or the 1 in 4 rule.
– If you must work on uneven ground, consider using leg levellers. – Do not place your ladder on unstable surfaces, such as boxes or pallets. Look for a location that has enough room for you to properly set up your ladder. Look for a location that allows you to step on and off your ladder safely.
It's all about the angle of the ladder against the wall. The magic number recommended by the HSE1 is 75 degrees so that the base of the ladder is set away from the wall at one-quarter of the working length of the ladder.
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Ladders should not be used on a suitable surface where the side slope is greater than 16° or the back slope is greater than 6°, unless the manufacturer states otherwise (see image below).
Ladders should not be used on a suitable surface where the side slope is greater than 16° or the back slope is greater than 6°, unless the manufacturer states otherwise (see image below).