Ladder safety is an area in pressure washing that is often overlooked, but, proper ladders and ladder attachments make any professional or enthusiast better at their job.

Choosing the right ladder is vital. The ladder must be appropriate for the height and type of work. For pressure washing, an extension ladder is often necessary and for most, the go to ladder, but a multi position ladder is superior.

Ladder Types

Extension ladders typically come in aluminum or fiberglass. Both materials have their pros and cons. Fiberglass is durable and ideal for work around electricity due to its non-conductive properties. However, fiberglass ladders are heavy, and the higher they extend, the heavier they become. On the other hand, aluminum ladders are up to 25% lighter but conduct electricity, which presents a danger when working near power lines. Regardless of the material, safety protocols and common sense are essential when using either type.

Why Ladder Safety Matters

Here’s a true story: a colleague of mine, Mike, was working on a customer’s roof when a gust of wind blew his ladder down. Although he had stabilizers and levelers, the ladder still fell. Since the customer wasn’t home and Mike was working alone, he ended up calling the fire department to get down. The entire neighborhood watched as the fire truck arrived. Mike escaped without injury, but the embarrassment was real. This situation could have been avoided with a simple tie-down ladder stability system. It’s an inexpensive solution to prevent such mishaps.

Though ladders may not be the most exciting topic in the industry, they are vital to your work. A good ladder with the right safety features can make your job look professional and seamless. On the flip side, being ill-prepared can quickly undermine your credibility. Most importantly, ladder safety is about protecting your life. Invest in quality equipment so that you can return home safely to your loved ones.

For residential work, I personally prefer multi-position ladders. These are available from brands like Werner, Luisladders, and my top choice, Little Giant. Multi-position ladders offer the convenience of folding down to around four feet, making them easy to store in a vehicle. Unlike extension ladders, they don’t need to be mounted on top of a truck. Additionally, these ladders are lightweight, versatile, and can be used indoors or paired with a plank for tasks like painting. No matter what ladder you choose, always consider additional safety features.

Ladder Safety Features

Modern ladders come with a variety of safety features, but these extras often come at a higher cost. Still, it’s worth the investment. I recommend purchasing ladder stabilizers or safety rails. If you’re a pressure washing company owner or a DIYer handling residential work, the Little Giant Epic ladder is a game-changer. With the addition of ladder rails and built-in levelers, it can safely reach nearly any two-story house.

Most extension ladders don’t come with stabilizers or levelers, which leads some people to use unsafe methods like placing wood under the ladder foot to create balance. This is incredibly dangerous. It’s important to start with a ladder that prioritizes safety, equipped with built-in levelers and stabilizers. Also, never forget to anchor your ladder securely.