Three Point Control & Ladder Angle Guidelines For Portable Ladders

If you’re looking for a way to make your work even safer on ladders, look no further! Implementing the three-point control system and understanding ladder angles is essential for anyone who regularly uses portable ladders. These guidelines can help ensure worker safety and provide tips on using the most suitable angle ladder for each task. Learn more about effective techniques and how they can be used in various applications below.

Ladder Angle

Understanding ladder angles can also benefit worker safety, as the wrong angle of a ladder can significantly increase the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling. Generally speaking, steeper angles require more strength and stability from workers and should be avoided if possible. A good rule of thumb is to use an angle of around 75 degrees for most applications. Additionally, an angle of around 66-67 degrees should be used for tasks requiring more stability or strength.

A non-self-supporting ladder should have a set-up angle of about 75 degrees — a 4:1 ratio of the ladder’s working length to set-back distance.

Here’s how to do it:

• Stand at the base of the ladder with your toes touching the rails.
• Extend your arms straight out in front of you. If the tips of your finger just touch the rung nearest your shoulder level, the angle of your ladder has a 4:1 ratio.

Three Point Control

Three-point-control vs. three-point-contact positioning: The three-point-control technique requires a worker to use any three of his or her four limbs for reliable, stable support. Another requirement when using the three-point-control technique is that the hands must grasp the horizontal rung of the ladder. A horizontal grip allows the worker to hold their bodyweight and prevent a fall: the vertical grip will not.

The three-point-contact technique is not recommended for positioning because it only requires that any three body parts, not just hands or feet, contact the ladder to maintain stability.

The three-point-control technique is the best method because the worker has both feet on the ladder and is gripping a horizontal rung, so they are much less likely to fall than if the hand is gripping a vertical rail or another body part is merely resting on the part of the ladder. Remember, when climbing:

• Keep both feet at the same level, and
• Maintain a horizontal one-hand (power grip) with fingers wrapped around the rung of the ladder.