Set a leaning ladder at 75°. The easy way to get this right is the 1-in-4 rule: for every 4 units of height up the wall, the foot of the ladder should be 1 unit out from the wall. For example, if the ladder rests 4m up the wall, its feet should be 1m from the wall.
How to check the angle
- Stand with your toes against the ladder feet.
- Stretch your arms out straight in front of you.
- You should be able to hold the rung at shoulder height. If you can't reach it, or have to bend your arms a lot, move the feet.
Many ladders also have an angle indicator on the stile.
Why the angle matters
- Too steep: the ladder can tip backwards as you climb.
- Too shallow: the feet can slide out, or the ladder can bend.
Other set-up checks
- Rest the feet on firm, level, dry ground, and the top on a solid surface (not guttering or glass).
- Don't change the angle to gain height. Use a longer ladder instead.
- Never stand the ladder on bricks, pallets or other objects to make it taller.
- Secure the ladder at the top or bottom, or use a stability device such as a stabiliser bar.