How many points of contact with a ladder should a worker maintain at all times?

How many points of contact with a ladder should a worker maintain at all times?

• A. Three
• B. Two
• C. Four
• D. One

Answer: (A)

Three points of contact on a ladder is a standard safety practice to keep you balanced and your body close to the ladder. You should have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. This arrangement creates a stable base, helps keep your center of gravity over the ladder, and reduces the chance of slipping if one limb shifts or you lose footing. If you need to reach or use both hands for a task, pause and reestablish three points of contact before continuing. Having only two points of contact is riskier because you have less stability, while four points are hard to maintain as you move, and one point provides an unstable base.

Three points of contact on a ladder is a standard safety practice to keep you balanced and your body close to the ladder. You should have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. This arrangement creates a stable base, helps keep your center of gravity over the ladder, and reduces the chance of slipping if one limb shifts or you lose footing. If you need to reach or use both hands for a task, pause and reestablish three points of contact before continuing. Having only two points of contact is riskier because you have less stability, while four points are hard to maintain as you move, and one point provides an unstable base.