Before using a step ladder - or any other type of ladder, for that matter - it's important to carry out a thorough risk assessment. This will help you to determine whether a step ladder is actually the safest and most suitable solution for the task at hand.

Taking a shortcut when you're putting a ladder up against your home can lead to a serious injury. Even professional tradespeople can get it wrong sometimes! There's no harm in brushing up on your ladder set up skills to make sure you're working in a safe way at all times. So, if you need to complete a job on your home - here's how to set a ladder up safely.

We have a huge range of step ladders for sale here at Ladders UK Direct. Whether you need a step ladder for domestic or professional use, we're confident that you'll find what you're looking for on our website.

Browse Step Ladders

If you've never used a step ladder before, you might be wondering if there are any specific safety measures you're supposed to take. To help you keep risk at a minimum, here are eight step ladder do's and don'ts:

SHORT ANSWER: No, it's not safe to lean a ladder against a gutter. Make sure you lean your ladder against a strong resting point that's sturdy enough to support it.

If you need to change a light bulb or get something down from a high shelf, you might be tempted to just grab the nearest chair and stand on top of it in order to reach the required height.

But chairs and stools are designed to be sat on, not stood on. Even a sturdy-looking chair may not be stable enough to serve as a safe height access solution.