No one to hold the ladder? Here’s how to set it up so you don’t need them.
When you work alone, the ladder has to be secure without anyone holding it. Level the base on firm ground, set the right angle, secure the top before you rely on the ladder, check it before you climb, and make sure someone knows where you are. Here’s how, using SafeWork NSW’s ladder guidance.
What Rules Say About a Second Person
SafeWork NSW only mentions a second person as a fallback, when the ladder can’t be secured:
“If you’re using an extension ladder, secure it at the top, bottom or both. If this isn’t possible then have someone hold the ladder in place while in use.” — SafeWork NSW
So securing the ladder comes first. Having someone hold it is the backup for when that isn’t possible, and when you’re working alone, that backup isn’t there.
For a solo worker, that leaves one practical option: secure the ladder itself. A second person isn’t part of the plan, so the setup has to work without one.
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Level the Base
A secure top won’t help if the base can slide or rock. On your own, there’s no one to notice it moving, so get the base right before anything else.
“Always set up the ladder on a flat, stable surface. If this isn’t possible then use a ladder that includes ladder safety devices like leg levellers, anti-slip gutter guards and stabilisers.” — SafeWork NSW
- Find firm, level ground. Soft soil, gravel and sloping paths can let the feet sink or slide.
- Use leg levellers on uneven ground rather than propping a foot on bricks or timber.
- Set the angle: SafeWork NSW says extension ladders should be angled at a ratio of 1:4, with the base 1 metre away from the structure for every 4 metres of height.
- Keep the area clear of people, vehicles and anything that could knock the ladder while you’re up there.
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Secure the Top
The top of the ladder is where most solo setups go wrong. You need to secure it, but you also need both hands for the climb.
Carry the device up, then fit it at the top
Lock Jaw Ladder Grip is designed for this. It clips to a belt loop, so three points of contact are kept while climbing. At the top, it can be applied with one hand using the supplied carabiner, while your other hand holds the ladder.
Clipped on with the supplied carabiner, leaving both hands free for the climb
Fitting the clamp to the gutter one-handed, with the other hand on the ladder
Only use a gutter clamp on a sound gutter that can take the ladder’s weight. If the gutter is plastic, loose or damaged, or there’s no gutter, tie the ladder to a rigid support on the building instead.
Extend above the landing
SafeWork NSW says not to climb or work past the second-last rung of a ladder. Its pocket guide to ladder safety also says the ladder should extend at least 1 metre above the landing, which gives you something to hold as you step on and off.
Check Before Climbing
When you’re alone, there’s no second set of eyes. Run through a quick check every time:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| The ladder | Damage to rails, rungs or feet. SafeWork NSW: inspect the ladder for damage before each use |
| Labels and rating | The ladder meets Australian standards, and your weight plus tools stays under its working load limit |
| Locks and feet | Locks properly engaged; rungs and feet clean and in good condition |
| Overhead lines | Look up for overhead power lines before you raise the ladder |
| The base | Firm, level ground at the right angle, with nothing that could knock the ladder |
| The top | Secured to a sound gutter or rigid support, and extended above the landing |
| You | Physically able to do the climb, with hands free and your phone on you |
“Inspect the ladder for damage before each use.” — SafeWork NSW
“Only use a ladder if you are physically capable of doing so.” — SafeWork NSW
“The combined weight of the person using the ladder and any items or tools should never exceed the working load limit on the ladder.” — SafeWork NSW
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Plan for Solo Work
A fall is more serious when no one is around to help. Plan for that before you start:
- Keep your phone on you, charged and in a zipped pocket, not in the vehicle. Don’t use it while you’re climbing; keep three points of contact.
- Tell someone where you are and when you expect to finish, and agree when you’ll check in.
- Check the weather. Wind and rain make the ladder and roof harder to work on safely.
- Keep the job short and simple. SafeWork NSW says to only use ladders for simple access jobs, or for a short duration, and to consider alternatives such as scaffolding or an elevated work platform.
- Know when not to work alone. If the ladder can’t be secured at the top or the base, the task needs heavy materials, or it will take a long time, use another method or bring help.
FAQs
Can I use a ladder on my own?
Yes, as long as the ladder is secured and the job suits a ladder. Level the base, secure the top, check the ladder before you climb, and keep three points of contact.
What if no one can hold the ladder?
Then the ladder must be secured. SafeWork NSW says to secure an extension ladder at the top, bottom or both, and only to have someone hold it if that isn’t possible.
How do I carry a gutter clamp up the ladder?
Lock Jaw clips to a belt loop with its supplied carabiner, so three points of contact are kept while climbing.
What should I check before climbing alone?
The ladder for damage, its load rating, the locks and feet, overhead power lines, the base, the top, and that you have your phone on you.
What if the top can’t be secured?
Don’t rely on the ladder alone. Tie it to a rigid support on the building, or use another method such as a platform or scaffold. A gutter clamp only suits a sound gutter.
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