Safety regulations and guidelines for ladder use are designed to prevent falls and injuries. These include proper ladder selection, inspection, setup, and safe climbing practices.

Key requirements include:

• Ladder Selection: Choosing the right type of ladder for the task, ensuring it is the correct height and duty rating.
• Ladder Inspection: Inspecting ladders before each use for any defects such as broken or missing rungs, loose steps, or damaged side rails. Defective ladders must be tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and removed from service.
• Ladder Setup: Placing ladders on a stable and level surface, and securing them to prevent movement. For non-self-supporting ladders, the horizontal distance from the top support to the base should be approximately 1/4 of the working length of the ladder.
• Safe Climbing Practices: Maintaining three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing, facing the ladder, and avoiding carrying heavy loads.
• Ladder Extension: When using a portable ladder for access to an upper landing, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the landing surface. If this is not possible, the ladder must be secured at the top and a grasping device provided.
• Electrical Safety: Using non-conductive ladders when working near electrical equipment. Metal ladders must maintain a minimum distance of 20 feet from power lines, unless the lines are de-energized and visibly grounded.

[3] [1] [1] [2] [2]