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How to use a ladder safely?

Can anyone give me an idea of how I can attach my straight ladder to side of she or house so it doesn't fall . Not to a gutter of course. I want to be able wear a safety harness. I'm on my own and don't have anyone to hold a ladder. I have some painting to do and flashing to put on a shed.

Thanks

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JacobZ

Hi @sue62,

Thank you for your question about ladder safety. It is always paramount to consider safety when working at heights, so I am glad you reached out.

Unfortunately, to make a safety harness worthwhile, you need to be able to attach it to a fixed point above you, which would mean getting on the roof, which would mean climbing a ladder.

You mentioned not wanting to fix the ladder to a gutter, but without someone to foot the ladder for you, this is probably your best option. This Lock Jaw Ladder Grip would allow you to lock your ladder onto the gutter so that it doesn't shift while you're standing on it.

The only options I can think of besides hiring someone to do the work for you are to look at renting a small rolling scaffold or a Scissor Lift, so you would be standing on a platform inside a fixed barrier.

Allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see what they think - @Dave-1, @AlanM52 @JoeAzza.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55281#Comment_55281

Thanks for raising this really important topic @sue62.

Just thought I'd add for the benefit of all readers that the Bunnings team has created the guide and video How to use a ladder correctly, while here on Workshop we have the guide How to use ladders safely by experienced member @Adam_W.

Jason

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55281#Comment_55281

Good afternoon @sue62

My first question of course 🙂 Is there any chance of a few photos of the area you wnat the ladder to used in? Single story height I wouldnt be worried about a safety harness, second story that would change things up.

I have used 6ft ladders mostly aound the house, even to get onto the roof. Tho I need a slightly taller one.

I have used this Gorilla 150kg 450mm Wide Adjustable Height Work Platform With Connecting Brackets extensivley when working at heights. It really does a good job for getting my arms into the working area (I am not that tall)

I have bought a few versions of these guys for work platform ladder so the person can stand at the top and work freely.

Maybe a couple of ladder styles could be used as a work around for you with the flashing. Will wait for some photos to see if we can come up with a workaround what is needed.

Dave

AlanM52

Hi @sue62,

After reading your post I am now walking around worrying about you.

I want to start by discussing something that is as common as our belly button - our ears.

As we age anytime our feet leave mother earth to stand on something to do something we must be aware to work slowly so the fluid in our ears is not disturbed to the point where we feel dizzy and maybe even fall. When you look down to load up the the brush and wipe excess off the rim... pause, look up slowly also move the brush hand slowly... again pause and then continue painting. Same thing on the way down.

As @Dave-1 requested please post some photos because at this point I am assuming single story with no gables and the eve board height is about 2.4M. If that's the case this is all you need.

Screenshot 2025-07-29 163135.jpeg

You can work from both sides which means less ladder moving.

Buy a small plastic crate and screw it to the top to hold everything.

This is also very handy.

Screenshot 2025-07-29 171605.jpeg

I have many of those and brush off excess paint on the bottom rather the the rim of the tin.

One less job removing/cleaning paint out of the rims of tins.

Cheers

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/89886#Comment_89886

Thanks a lot for your answer. It's not two storey. I had thought of a platform so will probably go for that. That's on a new shed built that's not a prefab. The other area is single storey house but on the higher side. Maybe 18 feet. The facia boards on both need painting. I'm trying to do alot myself too keep costs I really need down so I can the hire professionals when I really need too. I will add some photos tomorrow.

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55294#Comment_55294

Totally agree about the getting older aspect . My age is 62 . I want to be as safe as I can and if I don't think I can do it I will save up until I can afford to pay a professional.

I will take some photos tomorrow. I have alot to finish on the shed inside and I want to build a deck with a ramp no steps so I can get stuff out easily. There are two sheds side by side and the decking will run along both. These sheds are for storage and for doing art work. I have a prefab shed for the lawn mower etc.

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55281#Comment_55281

Thanks for all the information Jacob . I'm on a steep learning curve as I'm planning to renovate the whole of my 70 yr old house. I've done most of the garden and just need to finish the new shed / art room and fix up the old wooden shed I use for storage. Then I start on my kitchen.

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110781#Comment_110781

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122767#Comment_122767

Hi @sue62

If you have any more questions about your other projects, please don't hesitate to post them.

Eric

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/89886#Comment_89886

Thanks Dave . I've tried loading photos but it won't let me . I've decided to use scaffolding with a fence so I can't fall off. My photos are in Google but when I go to load them it says their not supported.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110844#Comment_110844

Hi @sue62,

It sounds like it could be a file format issue.

If you can send them to workshop@bunnings.com.au I would be happy to upload them for you.

I think a scaffold is the way to go. Safety is always super important, and the scaffold will ensure you are safe when you are working at heights.

Jacob

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122800#Comment_122800

Thanks Jacob just sent you the photos.

1000000742 copy.jpg 1000000741 copy.jpg

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130602#Comment_130602

Good afternoon @sue62

Scaffolding will be a safer option tho at the height of what you have shown us, a decent 6ft -8ft ladder would aslo be fine. I would suggest moving out all the plant pots either way to create as clean an area as possible to work with.

With the ladder for the painting I would lean it against the sid eof the house. At an angle of around 30 degrees (easiest way is to lean it and stand on the bottom rung, lean back a tiny bit and if the ladder feels like it want to move, then move the foot of the ladder out from the wall a little more)

With the flashing, I would lean the ladder the same way against the middle of the wall. The flashing should sit up over the edge by itself and should be screwed in fromn the side, making sure that the right angle stays that way compared to the roof on the other side (dosnt kick up) I would paint that timber first tho.

My last story is, if you "think" you can reach out to do that last little bit while up the ladder "DONT" get down and shift the ladder a foot and then go back up. 🙂 Yes I have listene dto the guy on my shoulder and yes I have fallen off doing so. Its not worth it.

Dave

sue62

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135422#Comment_135422

Thanks Dave for the clear instructions on how to place the ladder. Much appreciated.

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