As you climb, always maintain three points of contact with the ladder with your hands and feet. Climbable rungs: Only use the climbable rungs on the ladder. Don’t step on the top rung and cap of ...

You'll also want three points of contact on the ladder while using it at all times, whether that be both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot.

Maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times – if two handed work is required, a work restraint belt and lanyard should be used to provide a ‘third hand'. Step-ladders only ...

Next, a ladder should be inspected to assure it is in proper working order. “Make sure that there’s not any damage that has occurred, anything that’s loose, damaged, missing,” Van Bree said.

This allows you to safely reach the gutter without overstretching while still maintaining three points of contact. An extension ladder such as the Werner D6228-2 is a great choice.