Run through this essential safety checklist before every use to prevent accidents and ensure stability:

1. Inspect the Ladder: Check for loose or damaged rungs, rails, and feet. Do not use a damaged ladder.
2. Check Load Capacity: Ensure the ladder's duty rating can support your weight plus your tools and materials.
3. Select the Right Ladder: Use a ladder tall enough so you don’t have to stand on the top rung.
4. Stable & Level Surface: Place the ladder on firm, level ground. Never place it on an uneven or slippery surface.
5. The 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet of height, the base of an extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall.
6. Three Points of Contact: Always maintain two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder when climbing.
7. Do Not Overreach: Keep your hips within the ladder's rails. Move the ladder instead of leaning out.
8. Check for Overhead Hazards: Be aware of power lines, tree branches, or other obstructions.
9. Secure the Ladder: If possible, have someone hold the ladder or secure it at the top and bottom.
10. Work Safely: Always face the ladder, wear non-slip footwear, and never try to move a ladder while on it.

The 4-to-1 rule is a simple way to ensure your extension ladder is at the safest possible angle to prevent it from slipping out at the bottom or tipping over backward.

How to do it: For every 4 feet of vertical height the ladder reaches, the base should be moved 1 foot away from the wall.

• If the ladder touches the wall at 12 feet high, its base should be 3 feet from the wall.
• If the ladder touches the wall at 16 feet high, its base should be 4 feet from the wall.

An easy way to test the angle is to stand with your toes at the base of the ladder and extend your arms straight out. You should be able to comfortably grasp the rung in front of you.

This is the most critical rule for preventing falls while climbing. It means that you should always have three of your four limbs in contact with the ladder at all times.

• Two Feet and One Hand: Use this when you are primarily using one hand to perform a task.
• Two Hands and One Foot: Use this when you are moving up or down the ladder.

Important: Never carry heavy tools or materials in your hands while climbing. Use a tool belt or a rope to hoist items up after you have reached a stable position.

Aluminum ladders are excellent conductors of electricity. Contact with a live power line can cause severe injury or death.

• Survey Your Area: Before setting up your ladder, always look up and around for any power lines.
• Maintain Distance: The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers and conductive tools (like aluminum ladders) stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Use Fiberglass: If you must work near power lines, always use a fiberglass ladder, which is non-conductive.
• Do Not Assume Lines are Off: Always treat every power line as if it were live and dangerous.

• Step Ladders: Best for indoor projects at fixed, lower heights, like painting or changing lightbulbs. They are self-supporting.
• Extension Ladders: Ideal for reaching high places like roofs and gutters. They are not self-supporting and must lean against a solid structure.
• Platform Ladders: A type of step ladder with a large, secure platform at the top, allowing you to work comfortably with both hands. Great for longer tasks.
• Telescopic Ladders: Extremely compact and portable. Perfect for home inspectors, surveyors, or homeowners with limited storage space.
• Folding Ladders (Multi-Position): The most versatile option. Can be configured as a step ladder, extension ladder, scaffold, or workbench.

A ladder's duty rating indicates its maximum safe load capacity. This number includes your body weight plus the weight of any tools and materials you are carrying.

• Type III (Light Duty): 200 lbs - Best for general household use.
• Type II (Medium Duty): 225 lbs - Suitable for handymen and light commercial work.
• Type I (Heavy Duty): 250 lbs - For general contractors and industrial use.
• Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty): 300 lbs - For rugged, heavy-duty professional use.
• Type IAA (Special Duty): 375 lbs - The highest rating for the most demanding jobs.

Always choose a ladder with a rating higher than your estimated total weight.

Before the start of each season of heavy use (e.g., spring cleaning), perform a detailed inspection:

• Rungs and Steps: Check for cracks, bends, or excessive wear. Ensure they are free of oil, grease, or dirt.
• Side Rails: Look for bends, dents, or cracks.
• Feet: Make sure the non-slip pads are present and not overly worn.
• Hardware: Check all rivets, bolts, and hinges. Tighten anything that is loose.
• Locks & Spreaders: On extension and step ladders, ensure the locking mechanisms and spreader arms engage fully and securely.

If you find any serious defects, tag the ladder as "DO NOT USE" and have it repaired by a professional or replace it.