Which statement about ladder safety is correct?

Which statement about ladder safety is correct?

• A. Two contact points
• B. Three contact points with either hands or feet
• C. Four contact points
• D. One contact point

Answer: (B)

Three points of contact on a ladder keeps you stable as you climb. This means you should have three limbs in contact with the ladder at all times—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. With that setup, if one limb slips, you still have two other points securing you, which greatly reduces the chance of a fall. Why the others aren’t safe: only two contact points provide less stability and a higher risk if you lose grip or footing; four contact points isn’t practical while moving and can impede safe climbing; only one point of contact is unsafe and almost guarantees a fall if balance is lost.

Three points of contact on a ladder keeps you stable as you climb. This means you should have three limbs in contact with the ladder at all times—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. With that setup, if one limb slips, you still have two other points securing you, which greatly reduces the chance of a fall.

Why the others aren’t safe: only two contact points provide less stability and a higher risk if you lose grip or footing; four contact points isn’t practical while moving and can impede safe climbing; only one point of contact is unsafe and almost guarantees a fall if balance is lost.