Transporting & Storing Ladders
Ladders are damaged and cause injuries before anyone climbs them. They fall off vehicles, hit power lines when carried, and are bent in storage. How you move and store a ladder affects whether it is safe to use.
- All Trades
- Homeowners
- Drivers
Carrying a ladder
- Get help with long or heavy ladders. Two people carry extension ladders, one at each end.
- Carry a ladder with the front end higher than the back or tilted so you can see ahead, and keep it away from other people.
- Look up for power lines before you carry or raise a ladder. Metal and fiberglass ladders can conduct electricity. Stay at least 10 feet from lines. See Overhead Power Lines.
- Keep hands clear of pinch points and use your legs, not your back, to lift.
- Do not carry a ladder while climbing another.
On vehicles
- Use a proper ladder rack or secure ladders on top of the vehicle with straps or ropes at several points, not just at one end
- Place ladders flat and rungs down or sideways as the rack design allows; cushion contact points with padding
- Tie down both ends and the middle to stop shifting and bouncing
- If the ladder sticks out of the back or side more than the legal limit, mark it with a red flag (or red light at night) as your local law requires. Check overhang limits
- Do not stack heavy items on ladders, and do not let ladders slide against the vehicle or each other
- Check the tie-downs after the first few minutes of driving
- Keep ladders away from the cab and secured in the bed so they cannot hit the driver in a crash
Storing ladders
- Store ladders in a dry, ventilated place, out of weather. Moisture and sunlight can damage wood and fiberglass, and heat can warp them.
- Store them horizontally on supports at least every 6 feet, or hang them on racks that support the weight. Do not hang by the rungs only.
- Keep ladders away from chemicals, heat sources and corrosive materials.
- Do not store a ladder where a vehicle could hit it, and keep it from becoming a trip hazard.
- Store step ladders closed and locked. Keep children away.
Inspect after moving
After transport or storage, check for bent rails, loose rungs, cracks, dents and damaged feet before use. Remove a damaged ladder and tag it. See Ladder Basics and Fall Gear Inspection.
Standards & references
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