If you’ve ever had to complete a job around the house that requires you to use a ladder on your stairs, maybe removing some wallpaper or hanging up Christmas lights, it’s safe to say the thought of falling and hurting yourself may have crossed your mind at least once or twice.

By doing so, you may feel as if you are taking your life into your own hands and as a result can become anxious whilst carrying out your particular task. Especially if the ladder you are using isn’t suitable.

To avoid this altogether, you may opt to ditch the ladder and find another creative way to get the job done. Either way, it’s a dangerous game to be playing when you could use a suitable ladder that not only ensures your safety but you get the job done easily and efficiently.

The same can be applied to a professional setting also. If you work in an industry that requires you to use ladders in a range of environments, you may not always find yourself in the best situation when having to work on stairs.

So, what are the best ladders to use when working on the stairs? The answer is combination ladders! These ladders have been designed specifically for jobs such as those that require you to work on stairs. They provide a perfect solution for all of your worries with the ability to adapt to almost any job you may have.

Despite combination ladders being suited to stairs, there is still a particular way in which to set them up to avoid any unnecessary injuries. So, let’s take a look at what you need to do.

How to set up your combination ladder  

• The first thing to do when setting up your combination ladders is to remove the extension piece and stand it up with the stabiliser bar at the top of the stairway. Note that you may need some assistance when it comes to setting up and moving the ladder.

• The next thing to do when setting up your combination ladder is to hinge the base and middle sections so that they sit in the same way as a step ladder. You then need to refit the extension piece upside down on the rear of the middle section. Ensure that each of the rung hooks is pointing upwards and outwards.

• The final thing you have to do is to stand the extension piece on a step lower from the one you need to work from and adjust until the metal locking bars are horizontal.

Other safety measures

Once these things have been done, your combination ladder is now ready to be used. All that is left to do is to ensure that other health and safety measures are met. These include making sure the ladder’s feet are secure and as far from the edges of the stairs’ steps as possible and that no other objects can affect your work such as a hanging light. If you’re working by yourself, it’s recommended that you tie the ladder to the stair’s bannister to ensure it is kept steady whilst you carry out your work.

By following these easy steps, you will ensure that whenever you work on stairs with a suitable combination ladder, you can do so in a safe and relaxed environment.