What is a common safety practice regarding the use of extension ladders?

A common safety practice regarding the use of extension ladders is to ensure there’s sufficient overlap between the sections of the ladder. This overlap is crucial because it provides the necessary stability and strength when the ladder is extended. If the sections do not overlap adequately, the risk of the ladder collapsing increases, potentially leading to falls and serious injuries.

Having sufficient overlap also ensures that the load is distributed evenly across the ladder's sections, enhancing overall safety during use. For extension ladders, following the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding overlap can help ensure that the ladder remains secure while someone is working from it.

While holding the ladder or using it indoors can contribute to safety, the essential factor of overlap addresses the structural integrity of the ladder itself. Using ladders for short tasks might reduce the likelihood of accidents, but it does not address the fundamental design and stability requirements when using an extension ladder.