Discard or repair defective ladders. Secure ladders near top or at the bottom to prevent slips and falls. Never use a ladder as a platform, runway, or scaffold plank. Make sure the ladder is on a stable and level surface. Extend ladders 3 feet above landing to provide handhold and for balance when getting on and off the ladder.
Scaffolds Provide ladders to get on and off scaffolds.
Keep scaffolds free of debris. Erect scaffolds on firm and level foundations. Place scaffold legs on firm footing and secure to prevent movement or tipping. Don't use blocks, bricks, or pieces of lumber to secure scaffold footing. For a list of suppliers Linda Lowe is the associate editor of Tools of the Trade .