Which technique is recommended for safely climbing a ladder?

Which technique is recommended for safely climbing a ladder?

• A. Maintain three points of contact.
• B. Face away from the ladder.
• C. Turn your back to the ladder.
• D. Climb with one hand.

Answer: (A)

Ladder climbing safety hinges on maintaining three points of contact. This rule means you always have at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, keeping contact with the ladder as you ascend or descend. It provides continuous stability so a slip doesn’t turn into a fall, which is especially important when wearing gloves and carrying gear. Keep your body close to the ladder and face it while climbing to maintain balance and control, and move deliberately from rung to rung. These other approaches reduce stability or control: turning away from the ladder or facing away makes it harder to see footing and shifts your balance unfavorably; climbing with one hand eliminates a critical support point and greatly increases the risk of losing grip.

Ladder climbing safety hinges on maintaining three points of contact. This rule means you always have at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, keeping contact with the ladder as you ascend or descend. It provides continuous stability so a slip doesn’t turn into a fall, which is especially important when wearing gloves and carrying gear. Keep your body close to the ladder and face it while climbing to maintain balance and control, and move deliberately from rung to rung.

These other approaches reduce stability or control: turning away from the ladder or facing away makes it harder to see footing and shifts your balance unfavorably; climbing with one hand eliminates a critical support point and greatly increases the risk of losing grip.