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603 Stairway and Ladder Safety
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Straight or Single Ladders

The most common type of portable ladder is a straight or single ladder. It is a non-self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, consisting of one section. Unlike a stepladder that requires level support for all four of its side rails, the Single Ladder requires only two-level ground support points in addition to a top support. Ladder levelers may be used to achieve equal rail support on uneven surfaces (American Ladder Institute).

Straight Ladder
Man wearing helment holding plans standing next to a straight ladder.
  • It is intended for use by one person.
  • The length cannot exceed 30 feet.
  • It is available in wood, metal, and reinforced fiberglass.
  • It supports only one worker.
  • The top support allows tie off at the top of the ladder to increase stability.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-6. Which of the following is a non-self-supporting ladder?