Housekeeping · 낙상 예방

Six Checks Before Using a Folding Stepladder at Home

Before reaching high storage, check the ladder for damage, level flooring, locked spreaders, load rating and approved standing steps. Do not substitute a chair or unstable object.

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Wikimedia Commons · Amin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0; original unmodified · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International ↗

OSHA and NIOSH ladder resources emphasize visible defect checks, stable level surfaces, fully engaged spreaders and staying within approved standing steps. These sources include workplace rules, not universal household law. Your product manual is the primary instruction for a household ladder; if the height or condition seems unsafe, seek professional help. The photo is illustrative only.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Use a suitable stepladder, not a chair: Choose a household ladder sized for the job and read its intended use, load rating and permitted standing surfaces. Never use a chair or stacked box as a substitute.
2. Look for visible damage: Check rails, steps, non-slip feet and locking spreaders. If a component is cracked, bent or loose, stop using the ladder until appropriately repaired or replaced.
3. Choose a level floor: Set all feet on dry, firm, even ground. Avoid curled rugs, wet tiles and places where a door could strike the ladder.
4. Fully open and secure: Spread the frame completely and engage its locking mechanism according to the manual. Never use a folded stepladder as a leaning ladder or one whose spreader is not locked.
5. Maintain balance: Face the steps when climbing, keep a hand available for support and stand only where the manufacturer allows. Do not stand on a conventional stepladder's top cap or top step, carry awkward loads or lean far sideways.
6. Step down before moving: Climb down completely before repositioning the ladder. Fold it as instructed and store it in a dry place where children cannot use it unsupervised.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration1910.23 - Ladders ↗Official US workplace ladder rules: inspect for defects, lock spreader, use stable level surfaces, do not stand on conventional stepladder top cap or top step.Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationeTool: Construction - Falls - Ladder Safety ↗OSHA practical diagrams and text on spreader locks, slip prevention, keeping ladder approaches clear and prohibited top-step use.National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthNEWSROOM FEATURE: Ladder Safety NIOSH ↗NIOSH safety summary: inspect defects, level supporting surfaces, avoid traffic and maintain points of contact.Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons file: Ladder aluminum.jpg ↗Individual file description and reuse terms checked; Amin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0; original unmodified Wikimedia CommonsCommons:Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Direct hotlinking from Wikimedia servers explicitly permitted; each file's specific copyright, attribution and license conditions still apply.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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