How to use a telescopic ladder safely

Telescopic ladders are perfectly safe to use as long as you follow the safety guidelines that apply to all leaning ladders. Check out our How to Climb a Ladder Safely guide for advice.

It is also crucial that you work on a level surface, i.e. a clean and flat floor. Never erect your telescopic ladder on an uneven floor as this could cause it to tip over. You should also never stand your ladder on something else to achieve additional height.

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Ladders don't have 'expiration dates' as such, but it is true that a ladder can only be used for so long before it becomes unreliable and unsafe. Climbing a rickety old ladder that's no longer fit for purpose may result in a nasty fall.

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When using a leaning ladder for a quick job, it might be tempting to ask someone to quickly hold the ladder for you to make it more stable. This is called ‘footing’ a ladder.

While this may seem like a good idea in principle, it can actually be very dangerous. That’s because if the person using the ladder were to drop something or fall, the person below could suffer serious injury.

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According to the Health and Safety Executive, step ladders “should not be used to access another level, unless they have been specifically designed for this.”

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Wooden ladders are perfectly safe, as long as they are properly maintained and inspected before use.

As with any piece of height access equipment, it is vitally important to follow the proper safety procedures when using a wooden ladder. A huge number of working at height related injuries happen as a result of falls from ladders, so understanding how to inspect and use one properly is key.

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