Never set up or use a ladder in a high wind, especially a lightweight metal or fiberglass type. Wait until the air is calm enough to insure safety.

Keep all ladders and other tools in the SAFE ZONE, at least 10 feet from any power lines. Always make sure that, if the ladder fell, it would not contact any power lines or other electrical equipment. Remember that tree branches near high-voltage power lines can conduct electricity.

ccording to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders.

Always face the ladder and use both hands to climb and descent. Keep three limbs on the ladder at all times. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise and lower them with a hand line. Always hold on with one hand and never reach too far to either side or to the rear.

When working on or around electricity or an electrical circuit or equipment, ladder safety should be observed. There are many different types of ladders, and they are made of different materials. Metal ladders should never be used when dealing with electricity. Always choose a non-conductive ladder made of wood or fiberglass.

Never sit or stand on the top rung or step of the step ladder. This makes the ladder very unstable and prone to tip over! Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder. This could cause the materials or person to fall and cause serious injury.

To minimize falls from ladders, you should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for acceptable use.

The five categories of ladder duty ratings 1 are:

• Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty) 375 pounds
• Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) 300 pounds
• Type I (Heavy Duty) 250 pounds
• Type II (Medium Duty) 225 pounds
• Type III (Light Duty) 200 pounds

Whatever the size and shape, all ladders come with a duty rating — the maximum weight each is designed to carry.

Keep both feet on the ladder when standing on it. Never straddle the space between a ladder and another object

Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up/down a ladder.

Center body on the ladder and keep belt buckle between the rails while maintaining a firm grip. DON'T stand above the second step from the top of a stepladder or the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder. DON'T climb on the back of a stepladder. DON'T stand or sit on a stepladder top or pail shelf.

Ladders must be inspected  for visible defects before each use. While in use, a ladder may go through conditions that may impact its integrity. A ladder with compromised integrity will not be safe for use.

The highest permitted standing level on an extension ladder is four rungs down from the top. Keep in mind that the highest standing level on a stepladder should be two steps down from the top. A person standing higher may lose their balance and fall.

The Duty Rating is defined as the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder must not exceed the Duty Rating.

When using a ladder:

• Select a site with solid and even ground. Avoid slippery, wet or icy surfaces. Look for and avoid any overhead obstructions, especially power lines.
• Use the three-point rule when working on a ladder. The climber must maintain three points of contact at all times. Three out of their four limbs must be touching the ladder at all times.
• While climbing or working on ladders, body position should be near the middle of the step or rung to keep the load on the ladder centered. Do not overreach from the center position. Rather, descend and reposition the ladder,

Never use a defective ladder. Ladders must be inspected prior to each use. Withdraw damaged ladders immediately from service for repair or destruction.

Never splice or tie two short ladders together to make a long section. You must you the appropriate length of ladder for the task.

• The 4 to 1 ladder angle rule states that for every four feet of height you climb, the base of the ladder should be placed one foot away from the wall.
• Alternatively, a person can stand against the supporting wall and try to reach the rungs of the ladder with fingers. If the distance is correct, the ladder is safe. This is called stand and reach rule.

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.

It is always safer to move the ladder than to overreach. Leaning too far to one side, and reaching too far overhead, can make you lose your balance and fall.

Metal ladders and wood ladders with metal reinforcement wire can conduct electricity, which can shock or kill anyone touching the ladder or touching someone in contact with the ladder. Always choose a nonconductive ladder made of wood or fiberglass.