Positioning a ladder before climbing up and down may seem easy but there are actually proper rules to apply. If you’re using it for industrial purpose, then rule ratio 1:4 must be applied, such as Extension and Telescopic ladders.
Basic understanding of the rule
The 4-to-1 rule is a safety guideline for ladders. It recommends that for every 4 feet you ascend on a ladder, you should reposition the ladder 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface it's leaning against. For instance, if you climb 8 feet up the ladder, you should shift it 2 feet away from the wall. When climbing 12 feet, move it 3 feet from the wall.
However, different ladders have different safety rules, and the 4-to-1 rule is specific to certain types. If your ladder doesn't require it, you can simply focus on safe usage without worrying about this rule.
Additional Safety Guidelines for Ladder Use
Besides the 4-to-1 rule, there are additional safety measures to prevent injuries when using a ladder. Keeping three points of contact is one such precaution. This means you should always have either one foot and two hands on the ladder or one hand and one foot while climbing up or down.
Choosing a flat and even ground for your ladder is very important for safety. If the ground is bumpy or slanted, the ladder might shake and even fall when you're using it.
Always make sure the spreader is solid and strong enough, this is to prevent the ladder from collapsing.
