On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:56:22 -0800, Zz Yzx
wrote:

Sounds like a good time to go over a little ladder safety.
The proper tilt angle of an extension ladder is a 1:4 ratio...
or the feet are one foot out for every 4 feet of height.

Another good rule is "Always maintain 3 points of contact with the
ladder". A foot and two hands (while climbing or descending), two
feet and a hand, or two feet and a knee or hip (while working).

-Zz


Ladder safety starts when you buy the ladder. Ask a friend for help
in spending 10 minutes or so examining the ladder to buy. Look for
damage, cracks, missing rivets (amazing how many I have found). My
purchase took quite some time, took 4 ladders to find one without
defects. "Inspection stamps" should not make you feel better.

Extension ladder: Feet on ground with toes touching ladder base and
arms out 90 degrees with palms on rung, should be about the right
angle. Having a 3-story with attic, got to have good ladders.