Multi-Position & Articulating Ladders
A multi-position (articulating) ladder folds at hinges so it can be used as a step ladder, extension ladder, stairway ladder or trestle with planks. One tool does many jobs. But every hinge and lock must be set exactly right, and mistakes can collapse the ladder or pinch fingers badly.
- Painters
- Electricians
- Maintenance Techs
- Homeowners
How these ladders work
- Hinges at the middle and sometimes elsewhere let the ladder bend, with locks (swing locks, pins or rung locks) that fix the angle.
- Common settings: A-frame (step ladder), extension (straight, leaned against a wall), stairway (for stairs, with different leg heights), scaffold or trestle (two ladders with planks, if approved) and L-shape for working over a ledge or counter.
- Each ladder has a duty rating (Type IAA 375 lb, IA 300 lb, I 250 lb, II 225 lb, III 200 lb, as commonly marked) that includes you, your tools and your materials. Check the label.
- Ladders must meet OSHA and ANSI A14 standards. See Ladder Basics and ANSI Standards.
Before you use it
- Read the manual and labels for your model, including each setting and the maximum height you may stand.
- Inspect the ladder: rails, rungs, hinges, locks, feet and spreaders. Look for cracks, bends, loose rivets, sticky locks, worn feet and missing parts. Remove it from service if damaged. See Fall Gear Inspection.
- Check that locks snap and hold: they must fully engage with an audible click and a visible lock indicator, on all hinges and rungs locks, and you shouldn't be able to pull them by hand.
- Choose the setting for the job and the lower and upper ground conditions, and don't use settings the label forbids.
- Use a non-conductive ladder (fiberglass) near electricity. See Ladder Materials.
Setting up
- Set on firm, level ground. Don't use blocks or bricks; use manufacturer-approved levelers if the ground is uneven. See Ladder Accessories.
- Lock every hinge in the position. Check by pushing the ladder. If it moves or bends, relock. Keep fingers away from hinge pinch points when folding and adjusting.
- As a step ladder: open fully, lock the spreaders (if any) and the hinge locks. Don't stand on the top two steps or the top cap unless the label permits. Don't lean a closed step ladder against a wall.
- As an extension ladder: use the correct angle, 4-to-1 (1 foot out for every 4 feet of height), extend at least 3 feet above a landing, and secure the top. Don't use the hinged section as the extended portion unless the label says so. See Extension Ladders.
- As a stairway ladder: adjust each side to the right height so the steps are level, and lock them. Check the ground and the stairs are firm and not slippery.
- As a trestle or platform: use only ladders and planks approved and rated for this, keep planks secure and within the scaffold rating, and know that planks and ladders in this setup are a scaffold. See Ladder-Jack Scaffolds.
Using it safely
- Face the ladder and keep three points of contact. Keep your belt buckle between the rails and don't overreach.
- Don't stand on the top step or the top cap, or the rung below the label's limit, and don't sit or stand on a hinge.
- Don't move or adjust the ladder while someone is on it, and don't walk it.
- Only one person at a time unless the ladder is rated and designed for more (some trestle sets are).
- Keep the ladder clear of doors, traffic and power lines, and secure doors or barricade. Don't use it outdoors in high wind or storms.
- Wear non-slip shoes, keep tools on a belt or tray, and carry heavy loads by hoist, not up the ladder. See Step Ladders.
Common mistakes
- Locks not fully engaged, especially on an extension with the hinge partly open.
- Hand in the hinge when folding or unfolding, and pinched or crushed fingers.
- Overloading: forgetting the weight of tools and materials or using a lower-rated ladder.
- Using the wrong setting or stretching it beyond what the label permits.
- Mixing parts or using damaged locks, bent rails and worn feet.
- Overreaching and shifting weight to one side.
Multi-position ladder checklist
- I read the manual and the ladder's label and know the duty rating
- I inspected rails, rungs, hinges, locks and feet
- Every hinge lock is fully engaged and tested before I climb
- The ladder sits on firm, level ground in the right setting, secured if extended
- I keep three points of contact and stay below the top step limit
Standards & references
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