Which type of ladder is safe to use on an uneven surface?

Working on an uneven surface brings added risks when using a ladder. Choosing the right style and design of ladder is critical for maintaining stability and reducing the chance of falls and injuries. Certain ladders are better suited for uneven ground based on their shape, materials, and additional safety features. Considering the type of uneven surface, the required working height, weight ratings, your physical ability, and relevant safety standards will guide you in selecting the optimal ladder for the job.

What constitutes an uneven surface?

An uneven surface is any ground or flooring that is not perfectly flat and level. This includes:

• Outdoor surfaces like soil, grass, gravel, or pavement with cracks/gaps
• Indoor surfaces like rough, unfinished concrete or old wood flooring
• Sloping surfaces and different elevations/steps between flooring
• Soft surfaces like sand or mud that could shift under the ladder’s weight

The degree of unevenness can range from minor to substantial. Minor variances under an inch may only create a tipping hazard if the ladder is extended high or heavily loaded on one side. However, surfaces that slope significantly or have gaps of several inches or more present a far greater risk of ladder instability.

Why uneven surfaces are problematic for ladder safety

Ladders placed onto uneven ground can rock, tilt, or even topple over due to the irregular support. The risks include:

• One rail sinking lower into soft ground, causing the ladder to tip sideways
• The ladder sliding outwards if seated atop slippery surfaces like metal ramps
• The feet sinking into soft earth or gaps in the flooring under the ladder’s weight
• Poor traction and grip due to loose gravel, sand, wet grass, etc. leading to sliding
• A slight shift in the ladder’s balance that exponentially increases when extended to working heights
• The user overcorrecting and forcing the ladder to move when climbing onto uneven surfaces

These instabilities make ladders more prone to sliding out from underneath the user or tipping over sideways. Unevenness underneath the ladder also creates tripping hazards for those climbing up and down. Falls from height can lead to serious injuries, including sprains, fractures, head trauma, and even death. Using suitable ladder designs greatly mitigates these risks when working on irregular surfaces.

Types of ladders to avoid for uneven surfaces

Standard step ladders

Standard step ladders have a simple ‘A frame’ shape with two front side rails and two rear side rails. Flat steps are bridged between the side rails. The four ladder feet provide stability when placed onto flat surfaces. However, this basic rectangular base can easily shift and slip when seated onto uneven ground. The ladder can rock side-to-side, increasing the risk of tipping sideways. Standard step ladders lack additional bracing or extendable feet to adapt to irregular surfaces.

Metal and wire ladders

Ladders made of wire mesh, thin aluminum, or lightweight metals can bend and flex under load. This flexibility makes them prone to conforming to uneven surfaces rather than staying rigid and stable. Metal ladder feet also provide minimal surface area and grip compared to rubber or plastic feet. Metal and wire ladders are best suited only for very light duty access needs on solid, flat ground.

Extension or telescoping ladders

While versatile, standard telescoping extension ladders have limitations on highly uneven surfaces. With narrow side rails and minimal weight spread across just two ladder feet, they can easily tip sideways if one foot settles into a soft patch of ground. The rungs can also twist out of alignment if the unevenness forces the two ladder sections to become mismatched while extended. Extension ladders may be usable on minor variances of an inch or less, but pose great risks when used on surfaces with wider gaps or slopes.

Choosing ladder types for uneven ground

1. Step ladders with a wide, reinforced base

Step ladders designed for stability have a broad pyramid shape with flared legs and larger feet. Models rated ‘Class 1A Extra Heavy Duty’ are the most rigid, able to span over minor gaps or depressions. The wide footprint distributes weight evenly and improves balance on irregular surfaces. Reinforced side rails and non-slip feet provide excellent grip. These heavy-duty step ladders minimize side-to-side rocking and prevent sinking into soft ground.

2. Multi-position step ladders

Multi-position ladders have hinged, overlapping side rails that can form different configurations. As an A-frame step ladder, the broad base and rubberized feet provide stability on uneven surfaces. Extended as a staircase ladder, the overlapping rails safely bridge gaps or span multiple elevations. The adaptable shapes allow multi-position ladders to contour to sloping and irregular terrain. The hinged joints also prevent the ladder from twisting if the feet settle into slightly different levels.

3. Articulating ladders

Articulating ladders have multiple adjustable joints along the ladder rails. This allows the ladder to be set at different angles while maintaining overlapping rungs/steps. Articulating ladders can be configured as staircases or stepladders. The variable joint angles enable the ladder to closely match the slope and contours of ramps, stairs, or other uneven surfaces. The overlapping rung design prevents opening up gaps underfoot. The curved shape provides excellent balance over unevenness and side-to-side rocking resistance.

4. Tripod orchard ladders

Tripod ladders were designed for use on uneven ground in orchard and agricultural environments. The three-legged base is ideal for distributing weight and staying stable atop loose soil, grass, or broken pavement. Non-slip rubber feet grip into surfaces. The tripod design prevents wobbling and eliminates the risk of the ladder sliding sideways, as could occur with standard single or extension ladders. Orchard style tripod ladders come in various heights appropriate for both short access needs and working at height from tree branches.

5. Platform and trestle ladders

Platform and trestle ladders provide two, four, or even six legs for maximum ground contact and stability. The extensive base footprint and light, dispersed weight keeps the ladder steady when positioned across uneven and mildly sloping terrain. The open leg design allows the ladder to straddle over obstacles, gaps, and depressions in the ground surface. Many trestle ladder models have adjustable leg lengths to accommodate significant differences in elevation.

Positioning ladders safely on uneven ground

Once the right ladder is selected, proper positioning further enhances stability and reduces slip and tip hazards:

• Survey the ground and identify the flattest, most level area to seat the ladder.
• Avoid placing the ladder feet into soft patches of soil, gravel, etc. that could sink under weight.
• Angle or pivot the ladder to align the rails parallel with a sloped surface rather than perpendicular.
• Extend the ladder feet to evenly distribute weight if they are adjustable.
• Dig small trenches or use bricks/planks under the ladder feet to level them if needed.
• Ensure the ladder feet have full, flat contact with the ground and do not wobble.
• Tie down the ladder feet or secure the rails if using in windy conditions.

Taking the time to safely survey the surface conditions and install the ladder appropriately prevents avoidable risks of ladders slipping or losing balance when in use.

Using ladder accessories for added stability

Ladder accessories provide further enhancements in stability when working atop uneven ground:

Ladder levelers

Ladder levelers attach to the bottom of the side rails on step ladders and extension ladders. Adjustable legs allow each side to be leveled independently. Turning the leveling feet raises whichever side needs to be lifted to match the opposite side. Leveling compensates for gaps, depressions, or ground sloping under the ladder.

Product	Leveling Capacity	Weight
Werner Ladder Leveler	Up to 1 foot	4.6 lbs
Louisville Ladder Leveler	Up to 1 inch	2.5 lbs
Telesteps Ladder Leveler	Up to 1 inch	3.2 lbs

Ladder stabilizers

Ladder stabilizers are triangular braces that attach to the rear rails on step ladders, preventing sideways tilting on uneven ground. Adjustable clamping mechanisms secure the braces at different heights along the rails. The curved brace bars can also rotate to wedge against inward or outward tipping forces. Stabilizers add an extra dimension of rigidity when working atop irregular surfaces.

Product	Compatible Ladder Types	Weight
Werner Ladder Stabilizer	Type 1AA and 1A step ladders up to 14 ft	10 lbs
Louisville Ladder Stabilizer	Type 1AA and 1A step ladders up to 12 ft	7 lbs
T. Bailey Stabilizer	Type 1A step ladders up to 10 ft	5 lbs

Ladder shoes

Ladder shoes are attachments that fix onto the bottom rails in place of the normal plastic or rubber feet. The broad shoes have aggressively treaded bottom grips. The deep serrations provide excellent traction on wet grass, gravel, and other loose surfaces. Ladder shoes bite into the ground to prevent slipping. They also provide a wider footprint for superior balance on uneven terrain. Models with curved edges improve grip when positioning ladders at angles across sloped ground.

Product	Compatible Ladder Types	Weight
Werner Ladder Shoes	Fiberglass step ladders; aluminum extensions	3 lbs/pair
Krause Ladder Shoes	Step ladders and extensions	2.2 lbs/pair
Louisville Ladder Shoes	Fiberglass and aluminum ladders	2 lbs/pair

Safety tips when using ladders on uneven ground

Beyond selecting an appropriate ladder, following essential safety practices reduces the chance of accidents:

• Inspect the condition of the ladder before each use.
• Clean dirt, grease, and debris off the ladder, especially on the feet.
• Avoid overreaching or leaning sideways while working atop the ladder.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing up and down.
• Do not ascend higher than the safe working height labels.
• Barricade or mark around the base if needed for visibility.
• Face the ladder and grip the rails firmly when climbing up or down.
• Keep the area around the ladder base clear of clutter and obstacles.
• Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and avoid loose clothing.
• Use fall protection equipment for working at dangerous heights.

Following ladder safety fundamentals reduces the risks of falling regardless of the ground surface. Stopping use immediately if ladder movement, rocking, or instability occurs is also critical. Never take chances when working atop uneven ground.

Conclusion

Choosing a ladder specifically engineered for stability and adapting to irregular surfaces minimizes safety risks when working on uneven ground. Step ladders with reinforced side rails, articulating joints, and flared legs perform admirably atop mild to moderate variances. More rugged platform and tripod ladders excel with bridging larger gaps, depressions, and slopes. Taking time to safely position the ladder and using accessories like stabilizers and levelers provides further security against tipping or sliding accidents. Following basic ladder safety practices also reduces user mistakes that could lead to catastrophic falls. Assessing your ladder needs, the surface conditions, and relevant safety standards ensures optimal stability for every unique work scenario involving uneven ground. With the right ladder selection and careful use, necessary elevated access tasks on irregular surfaces can proceed confidently and securely.