Make sure that any stepladder has a level and solid footing and that you can perform your job within the highest safe standing level and highest safe working height.

Step ladders should always be fully open while in use.

Never closed or leaned against the surface.

Unless specifically designed for this purpose by the manufacturer.

Set up your stepladder in a secure area, free of cross traffic. If a stepladder needs to be used near a doorway, lock or block or guard the door, so no one knocks the worker off the ladder.

Make sure all four feet of a stepladder rest firmly on the ground and will not sink into loose soil or slip on the surface being used.

When setting up an extension ladder, a level of solid footing is required for safe use.

If you're working on uneven ground, use a levelling device.

Some ladders have built-in Levellers. Commercial ladder levelling accessories are also available.

If you're going to step onto a roof from your ladder, be sure that you extend the liar three feet above the roof edge.

Extending the ladder too far above the roof edge could cause it to slide or kick out.

Position the ladder so that it has at least 12 inches of solid support on either side.

To set up your extension ladder, start by laying your ladder down with the end caps pointing away from the building. Orient the feet and the fly of the ladder according to the manufacturer's requirements.

Before raising up your ladder, check for overhead powerlines of any kind.

Place the ladder against the base of the building or another secure object or have a person to assist you by blocking the bottom of the ladder.

Next, raise the ladder to its vertical position and move the base of the ladder away from the building until it reaches the proper angle.

Keep the ladder vertical while you're raising the fly. Extend the ladder to the desired height and engage the ladder locks.

Lean the ladder against the building and establish the correct set angle. The base of the ladder should be positioned one foot away from the building for every four feet of ladder length, as measured from the base to the upper support form.

This four-to-one ratio is essential to your safety. You can check your ratio by placing your toes against the bottom of the side rails and extending your arms straight out.

The tips of your hands should touch the top of the rung nearest to your shoulder level.

All extension ladders must be safely secured before use.

Securing can mean a variety of things, but the final result is a stable ladder that can be climbed or worked on without fear of movement.

The shoes or adjustable feet of extension ladders serve to secure the base.

When on a solid surface like asphalt or concrete, the rubber shoes will be considered a secure base.

If there is a danger of the ladder moving on a slick surface or from wet ground, you may need to secure your ladder at the base by adding a lash point or guy and get back to the building.

If you're on soft ground tipping the shoes and driving them into the ground can help secure the ladder.

If you can't extend the ladder three feet above the working surface safely, secure it firmly at the top to a sturdy support, use a grasping device, and ensure the ladder won't slip when loaded.

Several commercial devices can be used to help secure a ladder at the top. Ladder leashes and ladder locks are excellent tools to secure a ladder.

Wingspan extenders and gutter supports are commercially available products to add stability and support while climbing and working on ladders.

Safe ladder use can save your life. Hold yourself and your crew responsible for the safe selection inspection setup and use of all ladders.