FactSheet

Reducing Falls in Construction: 

Safe Use of Extension Ladders

Workers who use extension ladders risk permanent injury or death from falls 

and electrocutions. These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by 

following good safety practices. This fact sheet examines some of the hazards 

workers may encounter while working on extension ladders and explains what 

employers and workers can do to reduce injuries. OSHA’s requirements for extension 

ladders are in Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders of OSHA’s Construction standards.

What is an Extension Ladder?

Also known as “portable ladders,” extension 

ladders usually have two sections that operate 

in brackets or guides allowing for adjustable 

lengths. (See Figure 1, below.) Because 

extension ladders are not self-supporting they 

require a stable structure that can withstand the 

intended load.

Figure 1: Extension Ladder

PLAN Ahead to Get the Job Done Safely.

• Use a ladder that can sustain at least four

times the maximum intended load, except

that each extra-heavy duty type 1A metal or

plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times

the maximum intended load. Also acceptable

are ladders that meet the requirements set

forth in Appendix A of Subpart X. Follow

the manufacturer’s instructions and labels

on the ladder. To determine the correct

ladder, consider your weight plus the weight

of your load. Do not exceed the load rating

and always include the weight of all tools,

materials and equipment.

• A competent person must visually inspect all

extension ladders before use for any defects

such as: missing rungs, bolts, cleats, screws

and loose components. Where a ladder has

these or other defects, it must be immediately

marked as defective or tagged with “Do Not

Use” or similar language.

• Allow sufficient room to step off the ladder

safely. Keep the area around the bottom and

the top of the ladder clear of equipment,

materials and tools. If access is obstructed,

secure the top of the ladder to a rigid support

that will not deflect, and add a grasping device

to allow workers safe access.

• Set the ladder at the proper angle. When a

ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom

of the ladder should be one-quarter of the

ladder’s working length away from the wall.

For access to an elevated work surface, extend

the top of the ladder three feet above that

surface or secure the ladder at its top.

• Before starting work, survey the area

for potential hazards, such as energized

overhead power lines. Ladders shall have
nonconductive side rails if they are used 

where the worker or the ladder could contact 

exposed energized electrical equipment. Keep 

all ladders and other tools at least 10 feet 

away from any power lines.

• Set the base of the ladder so that the bottom

sits securely and so both side rails are evenly

supported. The ladder rails should be square

to the structure against which it is leaning

with both footpads placed securely on a stable

and level surface.

•	 Secure the ladder’s dogs or pawls before climbing.

• When using a ladder in a high-activity area,

secure it to prevent movement and use a barrier

to redirect workers and equipment. If the ladder is

placed in front of a door, always block off the door.

Figure 2: Ladder extending 

three feet above the landing area.

PROVIDE the Right Extension Ladder 

for the Job with the Proper Load Capacity.

Select a ladder based on the expected load 

capacity (duty rating), the type of work to be done 

and the correct height. There are five categories 

of ladder duty ratings.

Type Duty Rating Use Load

IAA* Special Duty Rugged 375 lbs.

IA Extra Duty Industrial 300 lbs.

I Heavy Duty Industrial 250 lbs.

II Medium Duty Commercial 225 lbs.

III Light Duty Household 200 lbs.

Source for Types IA, I, II, III: Subpart X—Stairways and 

Ladders, Appendix A (American National Standards Institute 

(ANSI)) 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (1982)) of OSHA’s Construction 

standards. Source for Type IAA: ANSI 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (2009), 

which are non-mandatory guidelines.

TRAIN Workers to Use Extension 

Ladders Safely.

Employers must train each worker to recognize 

and minimize ladder-related hazards.

Safe Ladder Use—DO:

• Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a

foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/

descending a ladder.

• Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.

• Keep the body inside the side rails.

• Use extra care when getting on or off the

ladder at the top or bottom. Avoid tipping the

ladder over sideways or causing the ladder

base to slide out.

• Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up

using a hand line. Never carry tools in your

hands while climbing up/down a ladder.

• Extend the top of the ladder three feet above

the landing. (See Figure 2.)

• Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

Safe Ladder Use—DO NOT:

• Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or

unstable bases.

• Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.

• Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.

• Tie two ladders together to make them longer.

• Ignore nearby overhead power lines.

• Move or shift a ladder with a person or

equipment on the ladder.

• Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.

• Use an extension ladder horizontally like

a platform.

PLAN. 

PROVIDE. 

TRAIN.

Three simple steps 

to prevent falls.
DOC FS-3660 05/2013

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

OSHA standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders 

American National Standards Institute standard: ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5—Ladder Safety Requirements 

(Not an OSHA standard, included to be used as guidance to meet OSHA’s requirements)

Employers using extension ladders must follow the ladder requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart 

X. Per Appendix A to Subpart X of Part 1926—Ladders, ladders designed in accordance with the following

ANSI standards will be considered in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1): ANSI A14.1-1982—American

National Standard for Ladders—Portable Wood—Safety Requirements, ANSI A14.2-1982—American

National Standard for Ladders—Portable Metal—Safety Requirements, and ANSI A14.5-1982—American

National Standard for Ladders—Portable Reinforced Plastic—Safety Requirements.

State plan guidance: States with OSHA-approved state plans may have additional requirements for avoiding 

falls from ladders. For more information on these requirements, please visit: www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/

statesstandards.html.

Most OSHA offices have compliance assistance specialists to help employers and workers comply with 

OSHA standards. For details call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit: www.osha.gov/htm/RAmap.html.