How should you access a roof when using an articulated ladder?

Accessing a roof using an articulated ladder requires careful attention to safety and stability. Stepping sideways onto the roof provides a more balanced and controlled method of transition from the ladder to the roof. This approach allows the climber to maintain three points of contact—two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand—thereby enhancing stability during the move.

By stepping sideways, you can align your body more effectively with the roof edge, decreasing the risk of losing balance or slipping. This technique also keeps your center of gravity lower, which is vital for safely navigating the gap between the ladder and the roof surface.

Other methods such as stepping directly onto the roof or jumping from the ladder increase the risk of missteps and falls. Climbing down from the ladder can also be precarious if not done with a stable footing, and it does not provide the same level of control or balance found in the sideways movement. Therefore, the chosen method optimizes safety during the transition between the ladder and the roof.