A good general guide is to keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder. Instead of leaning to the side, get down and move the ladder. In case of sudden dizziness or a panicky feeling, bow your head, drape both arms over the rung in front of you, close your eyes, and wait until the feeling passes. Do not use a ladder as a scaffold or for any purpose except what was intended. Be very careful when using a metal ladder around electrical wires or equipment.
Many fatalities occur when a metal ladder brushes against power lines while being moved.
Use only double-insulated or properly grounded electrical tools on a metal ladder. To be safer, use only a dry wooden or non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working around electrical wires or equipment. Stepladders Many of the suggestions for using straight and extension ladders also apply to stepladders. Do not place it on a table or any similar platform for added height. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.