Ladders are essential for many home-repair projects. But they must be used properly: the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 90,000 people were injured in ladder-related accidents in 1998 alone. Be sure to follow the safety instructions on your ladder. Ladders are built from wood, aluminum or fiberglass. A good wooden ladder costs approximately $50 and is heavier than an aluminum or fiberglass ladder. Wood doesn't conduct electricity when it's dry, but it can when wet. To help keep your ladder dry, paint it with a waterproof acrylic paint. An aluminum ladder costs about $70. Aluminum ladders are light and easy to carry, but they tip easily and can conduct electricity. Fiberglass ladders typically cost about $90. They offer the best of both worlds because they're light and they don't conduct electricity. Before using a ladder, check the safety sticker to determine the load limit (figure A), which includes both you and the materials you're carrying. The safety sticker will also list the maximum safe height. Most ladders, with the exception of short stepladders (figure B), are not designed to support someone's standing on top of them.
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