Ladder Safety

• Use an appropriately sized extension ladder: It should reach all the way to the top of the highest wall on your house. If it doesn’t reach, rent one that does.
• Use a ladder stabilizer: Install it on the top of the upper section of the ladder. It’s inexpensive and makes a big difference in the safety of an extension ladder.
   
  
• Use the right distance calculations: Place the ladder’s legs on the ground so that the distance between the legs and the house equals one-quarter of the height to which the ladder is extended vertically.
• Ensure that the ladder’s legs are on level ground: If they aren’t, stabilize one of the legs by wedging a thin piece of scrap wood under it. On sloping ground, install a 2×4 (on the downhill side) that extends 12" past the side of each leg. Hold the 2×4 in place with wood stakes.
   
  
• Get help raising an extension ladder: Keep the sections together and lay the ladder on the ground perpendicular to the house. Have your helper stand at the bottom of the ladder with a foot next to each leg and his back to the house. Then lift the top end of the ladder and start walking toward the bottom, pushing the ladder up as you go. Once the ladder is upright, have your helper balance it as you pull the extension ladder rope until the ladder is at the correct height. Lean it carefully against the side of the house.
• If possible, avoid using a ladder entirely: Sometimes the best ladder safety tip is not to use a ladder at all. If you feel uncomfortable standing on one, either hire a professional painter or rent scaffolding to use as a more stable work surface. Rental companies price scaffolding based on whether you pick it up or get it delivered, whether they assemble it or you do, and the amount of time that you need it. Usually, the longer you keep it, the lower the price per day.