How to set up a ladder correctly

Elbow method

A straight ladder that is positioned too steeply can fall over. If it is too flat, it might slip away. Use the elbow method to select the correct inclination angle. This lets you achieve the recommended contact angle of 70°.

Position yourself with one foot on one of the ladder side-rails so that your foot and the ladder steps are pointing in one direction
Bend the arm facing the ladder and raise it (so your hand is at approximately chest height)
If your elbow touches the ladder, you are standing correctly

Why is the correct set-up angle important?

The correct angle of a single ladder is crucial for your safety when working at height. If the angle is too steep, there is a risk of the ladder tipping backwards. If it is too shallow, it can slip forwards. Both situations often lead to serious accidents and injuries. An optimum angle of approach - around 70 degrees - ensures that the ladder is stable and that the user's weight is safely transferred to the ground. Maintaining the correct angle is not only a recommendation, but is also required by health and safety regulations and standards such as DIN EN 131 in order to minimise the risk of accidents.

The standard itself does not contain any direct regulations on the elbow method, but specifies the angle of attack as a technical requirement. The elbow method is a practical aid for maintaining this angle without a measuring tool.

Support by nivello® ladder shoe

In addition to the elbow method, the patented nivello^® ladder shoe offers an innovative solution to ensure the optimum angle of attack of a single ladder. The nivello^® ladder shoe is equipped with 2-axis tilting technology, which not only compensates for uneven floors and ensures full-surface support, but also enables an integrated angle of attack check. This allows the user to recognise at a glance whether the ladder is positioned correctly - without any additional aids or estimation methods. This technology significantly increases work safety and helps to avoid typical application errors. In addition, the nivello^® base plates can be easily replaced in the event of wear or for different surfaces, which further improves the durability and flexibility of the ladder.

Learn more about nivello® ladder shoes

Apply the elbow method now!