Metal and wet wooden ladders conduct electricity and should not be used when working on, with or around electrical equipment or electrical power sources. If a live electrical current touches a metal or wet wooden ladder, electricity will run through your body, injuring and potentially killing you.
If you plan on using a ladder in an area where it could come in contact with electrical equipment or other sources, make sure the ladder has non-conductive siderails, such as fiberglass. These siderails will protect you if live electrical currents touch the ladder. If you are not sure if your ladder is equipped this way, ask your supervisor.
If you must work near electrical equipment or power sources, keep the ladder, yourself and tools at least 10 feet away from overhead wires. Electricity can “jump” and cause injuries, even if you are not touching the source. A fiberglass ladder is your best bet if there is a remote chance that you will be working near electricity or overhead power lines.
Before putting a ladder up, check for overhead clearance and ensure that electrical lines are not in the vicinity. Leaning a ladder against electrical lines will give you a dangerous electrical shock.