How to set up an extension ladder
The only things you need to remember when setting up an extension ladder are these: read through the instructions carefully for your specific ladder, follow them closely when setting up, and make sure all components are present and are in good working order. Any signs of wear and tear or damage should be flagged immediately and the ladder shouldn’t be used until replacement parts have been installed. Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job, too. You should never have to overreach to complete your task.
Choosing the right ladder for the right job is important. Since you’re here, it looks as though you’ve already chosen an extension ladder as the best ladder for you. The next step is setting up an extension ladder safely. Most modern extension ladders are designed with ease of use in mind, and following their set up steps is straightforward enough. Still, extension ladder safety shouldn’t be treated flippantly. Setting up your ladder correctly is still incredibly important, and since most extension ladder tasks are outdoors, environmental factors need to be considered, too. We’ll explore everything you need to know below.
Tips for setting up an extension ladder safely
There are a few key steps you need to take to make sure you’re setting up an extension ladder safely. We’ll run you through them below:
Assessing the worksite
Before assembling the ladder itself, it’s just as important to make sure the area you are working in is as safe and secure as possible. This is easily done by observing a few basic factors about where you’re working:
- Fitness of user: Ladders of any type should never be used by anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if taking medication which could impair your coordination. People with health conditions causing balance or mobility issues could also be putting themselves at risk using a ladder.
- Ground surface: Soft or waterlogged ground should be avoided as the ladder could sink into the ground and become unstable. Any loose debris or dirt should be cleared away to prevent slipping and if working on a sloping surface a levelling mat should be used under the ladder and the level of the rungs checked with a spirit level. Avoid setting up on a wet or icy surface as this can cause the ladder to slip away from the wall. Only ever set up your ladder on stable ground.
- Wall surface: Avoid leaning a ladder against broken or crumbling walls as these will not provide adequate support for the weight of the ladder. Also check for ice or water that could cause the top of the ladder to slip.
- Impact risks: Make sure there is no risk of the ladder being knocked over during use, for example by moving vehicles on the worksite. Try to avoid setting up the ladder over doors or windows that could open outwards and knock the ladder. Always mark out your work area clearly as part of your proper setup procedures.
- Electrical risks: Due to the increased height this type of ladder reaches, it is possible that they could come into contact with power lines when being erected or moved. Due to the conductive nature of aluminium this could have fatal consequences, so be aware of this and never use aluminium ladders when working with electrical wires.
- Weather: Do not use a ladder in snow or rain as the rungs and ground surface can become slippery. In mild windy conditions the ladder should be secured to a solid structure and in strong winds should not be used at all.
Check for damage or wear and tear to guarantee ladder safety
Every aspect of your extension ladder should then be thoroughly inspected for signs of damage or wear and tear. The rungs, rung locks, ladder stabilizer, ladder feet, clamps – every individual element of the ladder – should be inspected to make sure it’s safe to use.
If you’re unsure, then never start work without a second opinion. And damaged parts should be replaced before starting.
Erecting your extension ladder correctly
How to extend an extension ladder depends on the type being used as each type of extension ladder has a different style of construction. Once the worksite has been assessed and deemed safe and the ladder itself inspected for any sign of wear or damage, construction can begin.
Double Extension Ladders
A double extension ladder consists of two parts, a ladder and an internal sliding section or extension. These have a simple construction and are very easy to use. Before using it for the first time make sure that the protective rubber bungs are removed. The stabiliser bar can now be fitted to the base of the ladder. Lay the ladder flat on the ground with the sliding section facing up. The bottom rung of the sliding section has two locking clamps underneath that consist of a metal hook that sits on top of the lower rung of the ladder section and a sprung catch that locks it in place.
To extend the ladder, simply press down on the catches to release the clamp, tilt the extension towards you slightly and slide the extension up. The catches can now easily move past the rungs of the ladder section. When the desired length of ladder is reached, the catches will automatically clip over the rung of the ladder section and secure the extension in place. The ladder can then be raised and placed at a 70 degree angle against the wall and work can commence. Always make sure the extending section faces out from the wall during use. To retract the ladder, simply reverse the procedure and the catches will lock on the lowest rung, securing the two sections together and making the ladder easy to transport and store.
Three section extension ladders
A triple extension ladder, as the name suggests, consists of three parts, a ladder and two extensions. It is similar in construction to a two section ladder and is extended in the same way but extending the upper section first, then the middle section. When fully extended two nylon straps on the sides pull tight, preventing overextension and ensuring the correct level of overlap between sections to keep the ladder strong and safe.
When retracted, both extensions lock in place and the smaller profile makes it even easier to transport and store. The top section is also detachable, giving a short one piece ladder for work at lower heights. As with the two section ladder it must always be used with the extensions facing away from the wall.
Multipurpose ladders
Multipurpose ladders consist of four sections that fold together concertina style when not in use. Unlike the previous models, these do not have a sliding mechanism as the sections are connected by two joints that can be locked in place at specific angles.At certain points in the rotation of the joint a wedge shaped pin slots into an internal groove and then locks in place to give a solid, secure joint. As a result, this type of ladder can be assembled in a variety of configurations and function as a straight ladder, an articulated ladder, a step ladder or a platform support.
When using it for the first time, make sure the stabiliser bars are fitted at either endWhen the ladder is folded up the joints are locked in place and must be unlocked to extend it. Each joint has a catch on the side which can be pushed to the unlock position marked on the joint. This retracts the pin and allows the joint to move. When it reaches certain points on the rotation the pin drops into a groove and locks the joint at that angle. If this is not the desired angle simply push the catch to the unlock position again and rotate the joint further. Once the required configuration is reached, double check all joints to make sure they are fully locked and cannot move during use To retract the ladder reverse this process.
Telescopic ladders
Telescopic ladders have many sections, each comprising one rung and two lengths of stile. When retracted the lengths of the stile slide inside those of the section below, like a stack of paper cups. To extend the ladder, stand it up on the ground and place a foot on the lowest rung. Slide the next section up and when fully extended and locked a green indicator will be visible on the stile. When the desired height is reached any unused rings will form a block at the top, it is not necessary to completely extend the ladder.
The ladder must always be extended from the bottom up, if it is extended from the top the sections will not lock in place and the ladder will automatically retract. To retract the ladder, slide the two locking buttons on the second rung inwards using your thumbs, making sure your thumbs are not in the way of the descending rungs. The air inside the stiles should cushion the sections as they retract, slowing them down and reducing the risk of accidental injury.
Ladder placement & use
This might be teaching you the basics again, but a properly angled ladder is a safe ladder. Straight ladders are always at risk of tipping. Make sure your extension ladder is set up at the correct angle. And follow all basic ladder safety steps when using the ladder – such as maintaining three points of contact at all times, adhering to how much weight the ladder is capable of supporting, ensuring the locking mechanisms are secured before use, etc.
Why choose BPS Depot for your extension ladders?
At BPS Depot we stock all the extension ladders described above along with a wide range of accessories for increased safety and ease of use. All our extension ladders are rigorously tested to conform to the latest EN 131 safety standards and offer the best quality for price on the market. Our products all come with a lifetime guarantee and free next day delivery. If you have any other queries please contact our friendly, helpful staff who will be happy to help.
