The Complete Guide to Ladder Stabilisers

June 30, 2025 | Nate Cord

According to the HSE, falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the UK. Fortunately, stabilising your ladder properly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk.

In this guide, our experts will explain everything you need to know about ladder stabilisers – from what a ladder stabiliser is and how one works, to when and how it is best to use one.

What is a Ladder Stabiliser?

A ladder stabiliser – sometimes known as a stabiliser bar or stand-off – is an attachment that increases a ladder’s base contact points and wall-grip to eliminate lateral wobble and base slippage.

There are two main types of ladder stabilisers: bars and stand-offs.

Stabiliser Bars

Horizontal stabiliser bars are base-mounted bars that widen the ladder’s base footprint.

Increasing base width reduces tipping force and better distributes load, preventing falls or sinkage on soft turf or asphalt.

These are required for ladders over 3 metres under EN131 regulations, so you’ll often see these built in on new ladders. However, these can also be retrofitted (in which case they can be attached or removed as needed),

Stand-Offs

Stand-offs are top-mounted, v-shaped or tubular arms with rubber pads that grip the wall. These create critical clearance from obstacles (walls, windows, pipes, and gutters), distribute weight over more contact points, and prevent structural damage when working at height.

You can get fixed-length ladder stand-offs or adjustable ones, the latter of which allows you to increase the depth and height of the stabiliser (for more or less clearance).

For the safest approach, you can pair both systems, in particular when working above 3m or near fragile surfaces. There are also ladder levels for base levelling, which can be combined with the above to secure a ladder on extra uneven terrain.

When to Use a Ladder Stabiliser

Under EN131 standards, stabiliser bars are now required for all extension ladders exceeding 3 metres in height.

In commercial/industrial settings, stabilisers are mandatory when working near pedestrian pathways (e.g., shopfront window cleaning), above fragile surfaces (e.g., skylights, asbestos roofs) and when overhead electrical hazards exist.

Task-specific applications for stand-offs include:

• To hang a gutter or to prevent gutter crushing by distributing weight across the roof.
• For pitch angles >30° with angle adjusters bolted to roof structures.
• To straddle windows, meaning you don’t need to reposition the ladder to efficiently reach all areas around the window.
• To paint the rake board of a wide overhang. A stabiliser allows you to see and reach the work from a more comfortable position.

While scaffolding can solve most access problems, you’ll save money and time by renting or buying a ladder stabiliser for some jobs.

Do I Need a Ladder Stabiliser?

According to the updated EN131 ladder regulations, all ladders over 3 metres tall must have a wider base. This is why most modern ladders now come with an integrated stabiliser bar as standard.
A ladder could theoretically be used with or without it (if it comes without). However, we recommend that you comply with the EN131 standard and stabilise your ladder, or ensure it is tied off and footed at the base if just using the rubber feet.

Ask yourself:

• Working above 3 m?
• On uneven or soft ground?
• Near downpipes, corners, gutters, or roof edges?
• On uneven/sloped terrain?
• Concerned about sliding or tipping?

If you said yes to any of the above, a stabiliser should be used.

Are Ladder Stabilisers Safe?

Ladder stabilisers are safe, as long as installed and used in line with official guidelines.

Stabiliser bars are now required on all ladders extending > 3 metres, and stand-offs must withstand 150kg dynamic loads without deformation. This is to help improve stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Legitimate products display BS EN 131-7 — avoid self-certified units, or those with no clear compliance.

All work at height jobs should be risk assessed to ensure safe ladder use. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that, before working at height, you must work through these simple steps.

• Avoid working at height if possible.
• Where unavoidable, use safe equipment and minimise fall risk.
• Use proper access, fall prevention, and emergency planning.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, the HSE recommends the following measures.

• Carry out as much work as possible from the ground.
• Ensure ladders are regularly inspected and well-maintained.
• Avoid overreaching and overloading.
• Use fall protection around fragile surfaces.
• Consider rescue and evacuation procedures.

Employers and those in control of any work-at-height activity must make sure that the work
is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height.

Finally, never stand on the stabiliser – and don’t use the stabiliser arms to support planks or staging boards.

Can You Use a Ladder Stabiliser on a Multi-Position Ladder?

Yes, but it needs to be compatible. Multi‑position ladders (combination ladders) often have different top/bottom rail shapes to extension ladders, so ensure your ladder’s rail dimensions match the stabiliser clamps and are compatible with your model.

If in doubt, contact us with your ladder model or job, and we’ll help you find the right stabiliser and/or ladder.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team on ladder stabilisers, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at 01639 849847.

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