The House Boy is prohibited from using any ladder which is longer than six and one-half feet without a spotter to secure the ladder and observe for safety. This rule overrides any other rule that requires the House Boy to inspect, maintain or repair any item except in extreme emergencies. The Master may spot for the boy himself or select a responsible volunteer to stand at the base of the ladder and closely watch the boy ascend and descend. The boy is also responsible for spotting anyone else using a ladder of any size, at the request of that person.

In the example photo, the House Boy is in violation because there is no spotter holding the base of the long ladder. Perhaps no one was available or was comfortable having their face in close proximity with the boy’s buttocks. The boy is not subject to punishment for postponing any ladder-related chore unless he fails to ask for volunteers to hold the base of the ladder.

The Master will make reasonable accommodations for House Boys with balance issues or fear of heights. Nothing in this rule should be interpreted as giving the boy any right to wear clothing while using a ladder on the Master’s property. Footwear is recommended – but not required – when using ladders.