In this piece, we\u2019ll explain what the ladder angle rule is, including the 4 to 1 ladder rule and the 75 degree angle ladder rule. We\u2019ll also discuss the other vital ladder safety measures, such as checking a ladder before use and the importance of considering where you\u2019re placing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Ladder Angle Rule?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The ladder angle rule, as set out by HSE guidance<\/a>, explains what angle a leaning ladder should be placed against a surface. This reduces the risk of the ladder falling and of the user falling off the ladder. <\/p>\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at what these both mean and at a visual example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaning ladders should be placed 1 unit out for every 4 units up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, for example, let\u2019s say a ladder is placed at a height of 4 metres, i.e. the very top of the ladder is at that height. The distance between the bottom of the ladder and the surface against which it is being leaned will therefore be 1 metre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 75 degree rule is the same as the 4 to 1 ladder rule, expressed in a different mathematical format. It basically explains that the ladder should be leaning at a 75 degree angle against the surface.<\/strong> The correct angle is more easily achieved by following the 4 to 1 ladder rule, rather than placing the ladder and measuring the angle until you get it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a look at the illustration below, which demonstrates the 4 to 1 and 75 degree angle rule.<\/p>\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that the ladder must not be used if you cannot follow the 4 to 1 ladder rule and achieve a 75 degree angle. The only exception to this is if the ladder is entirely secure, for example a fixed ladder that\u2019s part of a scaffold structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the ladder angle rule reduces the risk of the ladder falling and of the user falling off the ladder. This is crucial, because working at height poses a significant risk of falling<\/strong> and the consequences can be serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsafe selection and use of ladders and stepladders are major causes of fatal and serious accidents at work and at home. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that falls from a height account for around 8% of non-fatal injuries to employees each year. <\/p>\n\n\n This is why it\u2019s essential to follow the necessary control measures, including the ladder angle rule. If it isn\u2019t set up and used correctly, the ladder could slide off the surface on which it\u2019s being leaned or could fall sideways or backwards. If the user overloads the ladder or distributes their weight in an unsafe way, they could cause the ladder to break or fall, or fall off it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Ladder Safety Training<\/a> provides a complete introduction to ladder safety and the safe working practices you should follow. It explains how to select, carry out pre-use checks, set up, and use ladders as well as outlining the steps of a ladder-specific risk assessment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The 4 to 1 ladder rule is an important control measure to follow. However, it is not the only one. Ladders can present serious safety risks if not set up and used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first important consideration is that you must only use a ladder if, according to the risk assessment, the use of more suitable equipment is not justifiable.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n This usually means you can use a ladder if the risk is low, if it will be used for a short duration, and if existing features in the area cannot be altered to allow a safer way of accessing the height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To clarify, low risk means that the ladder user is able to hold it at all times with three points of contact <\/strong>(i.e. two feet and at least one hand), where it involves light duties<\/strong> (e.g. clearing a gutter or changing a lightbulb), where the ladder can be made stable and secure,<\/strong> and where the work is readily accessible<\/strong> and doesn\u2019t require overreaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are just some of the important ways to set up and use a ladder safely. If you\u2019re carrying out work with a ladder, it\u2019s vital to familiarise yourself with all the safety measures required to use a ladder. In a workplace context, your employer must provide you with training in how to use ladders safely and you must follow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ladders are useful for accessing heights, but they can pose serious safety risks if not set up and used correctly. This is why health and safety guidance sets out the 4 to 1 (75 degrees) ladder angle rule. Following this rule, as well as other vital control measures and safety practices, will help to ensure your safety when working at height with a ladder.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ladders can pose serious safety risks if not set up and used correctly. We explain what the ladder angle rule is, including the 4 to 1 ladder rule, here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":65237,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[86],"class_list":["post-65065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-safety","tag-workplace-safety"],"acf":{"schema_disabled":false,"schema_properties_FAQPage_question_answer":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_tools":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_supplies":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_steps":null,"schema_properties_WebPage_cssSelector":null,"schema_sameAs_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_override":false},"yoast_head":"\n![\"Leaning](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Leaning-ladders.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe rule is set out in two forms:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The 4 to 1 Ladder Rule <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 75 Degree Angle Ladder Rule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"4](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/4-to-1-and-75-degrees-ladder-angle-rule.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy is the Ladder Angle Rule Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Person-falling-off-a-ladder.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"expert](\"https:\/\/hub.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/expert-tip-icon.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\nWant to Learn More?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\nOther Examples of Ladder Safety Rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Person-using-ladder-to-clean-out-guttering.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFurther examples of important safety measures to follow when using a ladder are set out below:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Worker](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Worker-inspecting-ladder-before-use.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nWhat to Read Next:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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