While ladders are a working at height essential, they must be used safely. One of the main things you need to make sure of is that you set the ladder up properly. This means you need to get the ladder angle right before you do anything else.
What angle should I place a ladder?
Heath and safety advice always recommends that you angle a leaning ladder properly to reduce the risk of falls. You’ll usually see the ‘ladder angle rule’ referred to as either the ‘4 to 1’ rule or the ’75 degree angle’ rule.
Here’s a simple explanation of what this means in practice.
The 4 to 1 rule- if the distance to the top of the ladder is 4 metres, you need to angle the ladder one metre from the surface it’s leaning against.
The 75 degree angle rule is just the 4 to 1 rule explained in a different way. We’d recommend using the 4 to 1 rule for greater accuracy.
Why follow the ladder angle rule?
Falling from height is one of the main causes of fatality and injury in the UK, according to the HSE. In 2021-2, 8% of all non-fatal injuries to employees were the result of a fall from height. There were also 29 deaths. Following the ladder rule will ensure the ladder is more stable and will reduce the risk of you falling off it. If you don’t set the ladder up properly, it could slip and you could fall sideways or backward.
Ladder safety should be a priority
As well as following the 4 to 1 ladder angle rule, here are the other things you need to do when using a ladder.
Check it before you use it
Look at the condition of the ladder. Look for damage to the rungs, steps, feet, nuts, bolts, and any other moving parts. If there’s visible damage or warping, don’t use it.
Place the ladder on a firm, level surface
Place the ladder on a firm surface that’s level and free from obstructions. Don’t put the ladder up on a slippery or dirty floor or lean it against guttering which could break with a ladder against it.
Maintain three points of contact
When using a ladder, always maintain three points of contact. This means one foot and two hands, or two hands and one foot. Try not to overreach and don’t overload the ladder either. Think about the ladder’s maximum capacity before you climb it with tools or other equipment.
Follow the ladder angle rule and don’t cut corners
Even if you’ve been using ladders forever, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of how to do so safely. Following rules like the 4 to 1 rule when you’re setting the ladder up can mean the difference between safe and unsafe working. Sometimes it can even mean the difference between life and death. For more interesting articles on ladders and safe working at height, check out the rest of our blog.