Step ladders are a type of self-supporting ladder. Unlike, say, an extension ladder - which must be leaned up against a wall or another surface that's sturdy enough to support it - a step ladder can stand up all on its own, without any additional support or stabilisation.

But here's a question that a lot of people ask: can a step ladder be leaned against a wall and used as a straight ladder if the situation demands it? Or should step ladders exclusively be used as self-supporting ladders?

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If you're shopping around for a step ladder, one word you're likely to come across over and over again is 'swingback'. But what exactly does that word mean? What makes swingback ladders different from other step ladders? And what does that mean for your purchasing decision?

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We don't want you to get hurt while you're using your step ladder, so here's some helpful step ladder safety advice from the experts here at Ladders UK Direct.

How to use a step ladder

• Give your step ladder a brief visual inspection before use. Make sure there are no signs of damage. (See also: How often should ladders be inspected?)
  
  
• Make sure all of the ladder's feet are firmly on the ground and keep them in contact with the ground at all times.
  
  
• Don't work on a step ladder for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Step ladders are ideal for quick, low-risk jobs. If you need to work at height for more than, say, half an hour, you should consider an alternative access solution.
  
  
• Don't overreach. Instead of stretching to reach something, get down and reposition the ladder as needed.
  
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