How To Use A Roof Ladder

To work on a roof or undertake roofing projects is to work in a potentially dangerous environment. A study by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that roof work accounts for nearly a quarter of all deaths in the construction industry. Whether you’re doing maintenance or another domestic job, it’s always important to spend a little extra time and money to ensure that you gain maximum safety when working at open height. 

Before you opt for a roof ladder, consider this – can the job be done by any other means? Any work at height is a risk, and if there’s an option to sidestep the need to physically go up there, we would recommend taking that route first. Otherwise, the following will run you through what you need to guarantee safety.

What are roof ladders?

Roof ladders, also known as extending roof ladders, are simply ladders that are suspended with a ridge hook at the top which rests against the opposite side of pitched roofs. Roofing professionals often rely on these ladders to ensure their safety while working at height. The ladder is supported by bearers underneath the climbing face of the ladder, which are specifically designed to ensure that there is a suitable distance between the ladder and the roof to enable a firm hand and foothold.

A roof ladder is not to be used as a leaning ladder or bridge. These types of ladders are designed to be used on a sloping roof so they must not be used on flat roofs or those very steeply pitched.

Putting a roof ladder in place and safely accessing it

Typically, a leaning ladder will be used so the roof ladder can be carried onto the roof safely. There are 6 main factors to consider when setting up your leaning ladder:

1. The ground or surface the leaning ladder will be resting on, needs to be stable, firm, and strong enough to securely support the ladder when weight is applied so that its rungs or steps stay straight when you are using it.
2. The ladder needs to be prevented from slipping by securing it at or near its top or bottom, for example by fastening it with a good rope or an anti-slip or other stability device.
3. The ladder has to be long enough to extend above the roof ladder by 3 rungs as this will provide a good handhold when getting onto the roof ladder. It should also lean at an angle of 75 degrees to the ground.
4. To safely put the ladder into position you should first, if you’re using extending roof ladders, ensure it is the correct length before taking it up the leaning ladder. As you ascend the leaning ladder, take hold of the roof ladder near the top, ideally by the second or third rungs where it feels like it is well balanced.
5. Carry the roof ladder up to eaves level and use the large wheels to push the ladder up onto the roof, avoiding any damage to your roof tiles or other roofing materials, before flipping it over onto its bearers.
6. Finally, you should make sure the roof/ridge hooks are securely located against the roof apex (opposite side of the pitched roof). To ensure added safety, secure the roof ladder to the leaning ladder to create a complete ‘system’. Some other good ideas for extra safety measures include restraint harnesses and running lines.

Accessing the roof

It is essential to take extra care when getting on and off roof ladders. Be sure to have a firm grip on the leaning ladder before you attempt to get on or off the roof ladder.

You should go up and down roof ladders by crawling and gripping the rungs with your hands NOT the stiles. Make sure you have a good foothold on the rungs and be careful not to stand on the roof surface.

Keep your hands free when climbing up and down the ladder, you should use an appropriate tool belt to distribute the weight evenly and don’t overload the ladder with tools, materials etc.

Using incredibly strong roof ladders is an effective way to gain safe and secure access to a roof for any user. The lightweight but highly durable aluminium is considered a fantastic choice for an extending roof ladder for this very reason. This ensures that you can safely perform any necessary roofing tasks.

Find out more about the range of roof ladders we have available at BPS today and grab yourself a great deal.