Ladder Safety — Extension Ladder Setup

Talking points

1. Extension ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface or the point of support. This gives you something to hold onto when transitioning on and off.
2. The 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, the base must be 1 foot away from the support structure. Mark the correct position before climbing.
3. Overlap between ladder sections must meet minimum requirements: 3 feet of overlap for ladders up to 36 feet, 4 feet for ladders up to 48 feet, and 5 feet for ladders up to 60 feet.
4. Secure the top of the ladder against the support structure to prevent side-slip. Use a ladder stabilizer, tie it off, or have someone hold it. An unsecured top is the most common cause of ladder falls.
5. Never set up an extension ladder on soft, uneven, or slippery ground. Use a level, firm surface and consider leg levelers for uneven terrain — never shim with loose boards.

Ask the crew

Check the extension ladders on site right now — are they set at the correct angle and secured at the top?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1926.1053

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

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