Safe use of ladders and stepladders

6. Securing ladders and ladders used for access

Options for securing ladders

The options are as follows:

  • Tie the ladder to a suitable point, making sure both stiles are tied
  • Where this is not practical, secure the ladder with an effective ladder stability device
  • If this is not possible, securely wedge the ladder (eg wedge the stiles against a wall)
  • If you cannot achieve any of these options, foot the ladder. Footing is the last resort

Ladders used for access

In general:

  • Ladders used to access another level should be tied and extend at least 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold
  • At ladder access points, a self-closing gate is recommended
  • Stepladders should not be used to access another level, unless they have been specifically designed for this

View a printable version of the whole guide[10]

Link URLs in this page

  1. Overviewhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/index.htm
  2. How and when to use a ladder at workhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/when-how-to-use-ladders-safely.htm
  3. How to check your ladder is safe before you use ithttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/how-to-check-ladder-is-safe-before-use.htm
  4. Types of ladder and using them safelyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/types-of-ladder.htm
  5. Where ladders should be usedhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/where-ladders-should-be-used.htm
  6. Inspecting the condition of laddershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/inspecting-condition-of-ladders.htm
  7. Product standardshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/product-standards.htm
  8. Previous page Where ladders should be used https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/where-ladders-should-be-used.htm
  9. Next page Inspecting the condition of laddershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/inspecting-condition-of-ladders.htm
  10. View a printable version of the whole guidehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/print.htm
  11. Safe use of ladders and stepladders: A brief guide LA455https://ladderassociation.org.uk/la455/
  12. Working at height safely: A brief guide, Leaflet INDG401https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.htm
  13. Health and safety in roof work, Guidance HSG33https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg33.htm
  14. Work at heighthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm
  15. The Ladder Associationhttps://ladderassociation.org.uk/

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Updated 2024-06-05