"Phil L" wrote in message
k...
The Medway Handyman wrote:
I'm not a happy bunny using ladders - probably because I know how
dangerous they can be.

Would I be/feel safer if I bought a ladder stand off like this
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...90916&id=10275

Or a ladder stabiliser like this?
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...91075&id=34609

Or should I just wear brown trousers?

Having had to work off ladders with fairly heavy machinery for many years,
I can say with all honesty that the only time I was scared was when some
idiotic council made us use these stand offs, the stabilisers are even
worse.

The worst thing about the stand offs are that they make you too far away
from the wall - they are 18 inches away at the top rung! - if you are a
few rungs down from that you are over 2 ft away, so you have to stretch,
this is when accidents happen.
As far as the 'stabilisers' go - would you *feel* safe climbing a ladder
resting in that contraption?

I doubt you have used it or you wouldn't have made that particular point.
Just like using ladders properly can be safe when used properly, of course
its safe when used properly. Its really designed for sloping ground which
it deals with extremely well. Not particularly good with uneven ground
because of the limited range of adjustment of the legs. I find it
cumbersome if the ladder requires moving frequently.

To answer the OPs original question, a good standoff, I particularly commend
the "Screwfix superior" really adds to stability by moving the point of
contact well outside the point of work. Don't understand your criticism,
you must have had a rubbish standoff.

Jim A