1. Ladders are an easy and convenient way of reaching heights, but since most domestic accidents involve ladders, it’s worth taking time to secure them safely.

2. Always lean the ladder at a safe angle so that for every4m of height, the base is 1m from the wall. Always tie it securely at the top or bottom to stop it slipping, and overlap an extension ladder by at least three rungs.

3. You ‘II need a roof ladder if you want to paint or repair the chimney or the dividing wall between two roofs. If your house has overhanging eaves, use a ladder stay to hold the ladder away from the wall.

4. Special brackets fit on a pair of ladders to provide a long working platform which is useful for reaching the area over a bay window. A third ladder is needed to gain access to the platform.

5. If you have a wide clear area round your house a tower platform is the safest way of getting up high. Make sure it stands perfectly level.

6. Often the gap between two houses is too narrow to put up a ladder at the correct angle. The only answer is to use a special narrow tower.

7. Tower platforms can be assembled in a cantilevered structure to bridge an outbuilding or a bay window. Protect the roof with sacking and blocks of wood, or use sandbags if the roof is very steep.