1 Fully open a stepladder and lock the braces.
2 Make sure that the feet of the ladder, particularly an extension ladder, are on a dry, even surface.
3 Never use an aluminum ladder near live electrical sources.
4 Climb only as high as the ladder is designed for. Never climb past the point where your hips are even with the top of the ladder.
5 Hold on to the sides of the ladder as you climb. Store tools in back pockets or a tool belt.
6 Never allow more than one person on a ladder, and don't let anyone stand below you where you can drop something on him or her.
7 Heed all warnings and cautions from the manufacturer. These can be found on yellow or orange safety labels on the side of the ladder