Ladders allow for greater ease when cleaning household roof gutters, outdoor painting, roof repairs and tree trimming. But when a ladder, especially one made of metal, comes in contact with overhead power lines an electrocution can occur.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests consumers keep the following ladder use tips in mind:

• Use only a fiberglass or wooden ladder if you must work near overhead wires and do not let it come into contact with the wires. If you must use a metal ladder, keep it well away from overhead lines. The ladder should be clean and dry.

• Check the work area for overhead wires. Electricity can flow from an overhead power line into a piece of metal or other objects, such as a wet tree branch that comes in contact with it.

• Never situate a ladder where it could slide into overhead lines.

• Don't try to separate power lines and phone lines that often look alike. Assume all overhead wires carry electricity.

• Lower the ladder when you carry or move it, to prevent it from coming in contact with an overhead wire.

• Avoid working on a ladder on a windy day. Long ladders in particular can become unwieldy in the wind, and get shifted into power lines by a good gust.

• If a ladder starts to fall into an overhead line, let it go. Stay nearby while someone else calls the power company to cut off electricity to the line before you touch or move the ladder that is in contact with a power line.

• Never touch a person who is holding a ladder that has fallen onto a power line. Use something that does not conduct electricity, such as a long piece of dry wood or rope to push or pull them loose.

SOURCE: Consumer Product Safety Commission