At Multitrade we go the extra mile to provide our clients with complete usage information and safety tips so they really get the best experience possible with our products. If you lost the safety instructions for climbing your ladder, or wish to revise them.

General information 

  • Read all the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Be aware of the maximum load / maximum users which your ladder has been designed to take.
  • Check ladder before use. Start by checking the feet of the ladder.
  • Place the ladder at the correct angle,so that it will neither slide down, nor fall backwards.
  • Ladder must extend at least 1 meter over the point which you are climbing on to.
  • Secure upper / lower end of the ladder
  • Make sure a two element ladder is fully open
  • Make sure both sides are latched securely
  • Place the ladder on fixed ground
  • Always climb up / down  facing the ladder
  • Each side can only carry one person
  • Side stepping is dangerous.
  • Floor must be clean
  • Do not stand on the last upper three steps of leaning and extension ladders:
  • Do not stand on the upper two steps of a double sided ladder which does not have a hand rail at the top end.
  • Do not stand on the upper four steps of a three element ladder, and do not exceed the top of the ‘A’ ladder at the base.
  • Do not lean over to one of the sides.
  • Do not carry too big and / or heavy objects on the ladder
  • Do not use standing ladder as leaning ladder, unless specifically designed for this purpose.
  • Maximum load is not indicated, for any other use, except as a ladder.
  • Ensure that  the upper part of the ladder is adequately positioned.
  • Be aware of power lines when carrying or climbing a  ladder.
  • Do not use ladder as a bridge and  / or a scaffold
  • Be aware of low cost ladders which do not carry adequate certification.

Information for the user

Before use

  • Certain health conditions, like the use of drugs and medicines, may endanger your health and safety. Make sure that you are healthy and sober before using the ladder.
  • While transporting a ladder on a roof girder or a vehicle, securely place and fasten down the ladder so as to prevent eventual damages.
  • After the delivery, and before the first use of a ladder, check its condition and proper functioning of the ladder.
  • Before use always ensure that ladder is not damaged, and safe to use.
  • Professional users must perform periodic checks of their ladders.
  • Ensure that the ladder is adequate for using in any particular job and never use a damaged ladder.
  • Remove all dirt from ladder before use, including wet paint , oil, mud, grease, etc.
  • Before using a ladder at work, a risk assessment must be performed according to the legal regulations prevailing in the country.

Placing the ladder and finding its position

  • Ladder must be placed in its proper position – leaning ladders must be placed under a proper angle, inclination of       1 : 4, rungs or steps must be placed horizontally, a 2 legged ladder must be fully open.
  • If locking devices are placed on the ladder, these must be entirely fastened before use
  • The ladder must stand on a flat and immovable ground
  • A leaning ladder must be leaned on a straight solid surface and must be secured correctly before use, eg. by fastening it or using other proper devise to ensure stability
  • Do not move the ladder to another position from the top of the ladder
  • When placing the ladder be sure not to hit any person or obstacle. If possible close any doors (excluding emergency exits) and windows in the working area
  • Acquire all information concerning risks present in the working area due to electrical equipment eg. high voltage power lines or other electrical hazards
  • Ladder must be placed on its feet and not on rungs or steps
  • Do not place ladder on wet floor ( ice, shining, very dirty, slippery) except if you prevent eventual sliding by means of any other adequate additional measure/s.

The use of the ladder

  • Be careful not to exceed maximum load of the ladder
  • Do not lean over the ladder too much on either side – the belt buckle of the user must always be between the 2 sides of the ladder, the user standing on the same level of each step or rung
  • On bigger heights do not step out of the ladder without additional safety eg. fastening or applying proper device to enable stability
  • Do not use 2 legged ladder to climb up to other levels
  • Do not stand on upper 3 steps / rungs of leaning ladder
  • Without platform or tool shelf and safety rail for hands and knees do not stand on the upper 2 steps / rungs of 2 legged ladder
  • Do not stand on the upper 4 steps / rungs of the 2 legged ladder with placed extension ladder
  • Use the ladder only for non-demanding and short-lasting activities
  • For unavoidable works under high voltage use insulating ladders
  • In bad weather conditions  eg. strong wind, do not use the ladder outside in open space
  • Take care of children not to play on the ladder
  • If possible close the door – but not emergency exits – and windows in the working area
  • Climb up / down the ladder directing your face towards the ladder
  • Hold the ladder tight when climbing up / down the ladder
  • Do not use the ladder as a bridge
  • Put on the most adequate shoes when climbing up the ladder
  • Prevent any side overload of the ladder  eg. when drilling in walls and concrete
  • Take regular breaks when standing on the ladder for a long time as fatigue can increase danger
  • Leaning ladders enabling higher spots must be extended in the way that they extend at least one metre over the leaning point of the spot
  • Carry only light objects which are easy to be put from one hand to another when standing or climbing up and down the ladder
  • Try to avoid work which could provoke side overload of the 2 legged ladders like side drilling through solid materials, walls, concrete etc.
  • When working with one hand only, hold tight on the ladder. If this is not possible, use additional safety measures

Repair, maintenance and storage

  • Repairs and maintenance works can be carried out by professional staff only and according to regulations and instructions of the producer
  • The ladder must be stored subject to the producer’s instructions
  • Subject to article 4 of the EN 131 – 3, the owner of the ladder must inform the user of the ladder about these instructions