When using ladders in the workplace, it's important to follow specific safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Securing Ladders: Ensure that portable ladders are secured against accidental movement during use. This can be achieved by tying the ladder or using a stabilizer [1].

2. Electrical Safety: Avoid using metal or wire-bound ladders where there is a risk of contact with exposed energized electrical conductors. Instead, use ladders made of non-conductive materials [1] [2].

3. Ladder Extension: A portable ladder should extend at least 1 meter above any platform, roof, or landing it is used to access. This provides a handhold for workers when transitioning from the ladder to the landing [1] [3].

4. Angle of Use: When using a portable ladder, it should be placed at an angle where the base is one-quarter of the ladder's working length away from the wall or structure it is leaning against. This ensures stability and reduces the risk of the ladder slipping [1] [3].

5. Three-Point Contact: Workers should maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing or descending a ladder to maintain balance and stability [1] [3].

6. Inspection and Maintenance: Ladders should be inspected before each use for any visible defects that could cause injury. Any ladder found to be defective should be tagged as "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and removed from service until repaired or replaced [4].

7. Load Capacity: Ensure that ladders are not loaded beyond their maximum intended load, which includes the weight of the worker and any tools or materials being carried [5].

8. Prohibited Practices: Do not use ladders on unstable surfaces unless they are secured. Ladders should not be moved, shifted, or extended while a worker is on them [5].

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure a safer working environment when using ladders.