Secure your ladder from slipping if you are working with power equipment or if the base or top seem unstable. Working with power equipment on a ladder is especially dangerous. One slip can cause the equipment to jump and injure you.
Secure the bottom by tying the base to stakes in the ground, fixed blocks or sandbags to help guard against slipping. The rope or strap should be tied to both side rails. Do not try to secure it to the rungs because the ropes or straps will slide.
Securing a ladder at the base does not prevent sliding at the top. You must also anchor the top of a ladder to prevent accidental movement. Your support point at the top must be as stable as your base.
Use ladder stays when the ladder must lean against a window, or other surface that cannot support the weight of the ladder. Extend the ladder stays across the window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.
Station a person at the foot of the ladder when it is not possible to secure the ladder with ropes, straps or anchors. The person at the foot of the ladder should face the ladder with a hand on each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung.