On 22/11/2020 12:13, alan_m wrote:
With a long ladder its also worth standing well back from it to ensure
that standing vertically up the wall. When putting up a ladder it's
looked vertical from the base of the ladder but when standing back and
looking at it from a distance I've often found that it may have a lean
to the side by 0.5m at the top.

Yes this is very important. Sideways slipping is a major cause of ladder
accidents.

The footing should be firm generally, and of course level. Ladder wedges
are essential to compensate for variations in ground level between the
stiles. This can be surprisingly significant even on apparently level
concrete (for instance). I have always kept a box of 'ladder wedges'
handy. These are not wedge shaped (that's dangerous!); they are flat
pieces of ply or timber of various thickness. There are also commercial
products, mats, that do this job.

Needless to say the ground and wedges should have high friction
surfaces. If in doubt consider roping the foot of the ladder, if there's
anything to rope it to. If there isn't don't do the job.

There's no point in having someone 'foot' a ladder. They couldn't save
you, no chance, and if you feel you need them then the ladder is not
safe in some way. Also it's dangerous in case you drop anything. No-one
should go near a ladder that's got someone up it.

It's worth holding a small spirit level against the stile to check that
the ladder isn't leaning one way or the other.

However, if the top landing of the ladder is immediately adjacent to a
return in the wall or other feature that would absolutely prevent it
falling that way, it's good to lean it very slightly that way.

Bill