Guidelines for using a ladder when painting your house

-Make sure your ladder is in good state before use. Look for loose or damaged rungs, damaged rails and missing or worn non-slip feet. If the ladder is damaged, get it repair or replaced.

-Make sure the ladder is sitting on a level base, putting a ladder on uneven floor can cause it to topple under your weight.

-If the ground is soft utilize a baseboard or sheet of plywood under the ladder footing.

-Prop the ladder at the correct angle - one meter out for every four meters up.

-Use a long enough ladder for the task – ladders must extend 1m past the structure being climbed.

-Place the ladder at a point where the roofline or other structure is closest to the floor.

-Check there is somewhere to tie the top of the ladder near where it is resting. If there isn’t, relocate the ladder before going up.

-Have the ladder steadied by another person until the top can be anchor or tied. This person must secure the base of the ladder with their feet and hold the ladder with both hands.

-It’s a good idea to have a piece of strong cord permanently looped around the top rung to tie it off. Synthetic cord between 4-8mm is ideal.

-Don’t hold tools in your hands as you go up the ladder. Use a tool belt or backpack for larger objects. Heavy items should be pulled up with a rope.

-Make sure there are no electrical wires that might pose a threat of electrocution.