A ladder is stable when it stands on firm ground, is set at the right angle, and is secured or fitted with a stability device. Work through these checks before you climb.
1. Check the ground
- Firm, level and dry. Not on mud, gravel, ice, polished floors or loose items.
- On soft ground, use a ladder mat or a board under the feet.
- On slopes, use a ladder with adjustable legs or a leveller, or a tripod ladder for gardens.
2. Check the ladder
- Feet are present, clean and not worn.
- Stiles and rungs are straight and undamaged, and locks engage fully.
3. Set it up correctly
- Leaning ladders at 75° (1 out for every 4 up). Step ladders fully open with spreaders locked.
- Rest the top on a solid surface, never on guttering, glass or plastic.
4. Add stability
- Stabiliser bar: widens the base. Always fit it if your ladder has one.
- Stand-off: holds the top away from the wall, clear of gutters.
- Tie it: secure the top or bottom to a solid fixing.
- Footing: a second person holding the base is a last resort, not a substitute for securing it.
5. Use it within its limits
Keep your body between the stiles, don't overreach, and keep to the weight rating. For long or heavy jobs, use a scaffold tower or podium instead.