Set up and placement of a ladder is important in safe use. Straight ladders should be positioned:

• So that the ladder is set to a 75 degree angle from the ground. There are several ways to approximate this angle:
  • To measure this, the horizontal distance between the foot of the ladder and the support against which it is placed is equal to one-fourth the height of the ladder at the top point of support.
  • So that both upper contact points rest firmly against the structure
  • So that the ladder extends at least three feet above the point of support

Users should make sure that both rung locking mechanisms are fully engaged.