Greg, I use the non typical ladders and what I do is hang the stand in between two steps on the ladder. That way I can climb up above the stand by one step so I can step down on the stand and when leaving the stand I can still step down onto the ladder. I also place it so I'm stepping onto the stand with my left foot and leaving with my right. This way I can test the stability of the stand and ladders by putting weight down upon them while still supporting myself on the ladders or the stand. Works for me.