Ladder safety

Which of the following are important to consider when selecting a ladder?

• Style

• Duty rating

• Size

• Material

Answer explanation

All four considerations are important when selecting a ladder.

Duty rating must take into account which of the following?

• Workers weight

• Weight of clothing

• Weight of any tools and material

• Ladder weight

Answer explanation

You must always stay within the duty rating. It is the combined weight of the person and any tools or materials to be taken up the ladder.

A person's maximum safe reaching height is approximately eight feet higher than the height of the ladder?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A person's maximum safe reaching height is approximately 4 feet higher than the height of the ladder.

How often should you inspect your ladder for wear, Damage and missing or loose components

• Weekly

• Bi-weekly

• Prior to every use

• Monthly

Answer explanation

It is important that you inspect your ladder for wear, damage and missing or loose components prior to every use.

When handling a ladder, it is important to remember which of the following?

• Do not drag it across the ground

• Loosely secure your ladder in transit, allowing for some vibration

• Do not carry an extension ladder in its extended position

• Do not drop the ladder when loading or unloading it from vehicle

Answer explanation

Remember it is important to to secure your ladder tightly to your vehicle during transit to prevent any vibration

Is it ok to store other materials on top of a ladder?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Storing other materials on top of a ladder may damage it.

Which of the following are common mistakes with stepladder and extension ladder use?

• Facing the ladder while climbing and descending

• Overreaching

• Walking or moving the ladder while on it

• Twisting excessively while on the ladder

Answer explanation

Overreaching, walking, twisting excessively or moving the ladder while on the ladder are all common mistakes

If your ladder has bent rails' split rails, loose feet or missing feet, What should you do?

• Nothing

• Attempt to fix it

• Tag it out of service and do not use

• Keep using it untill it breaks

Answer explanation

Never use a defective ladder. Remember if in doubt. Tag it and throw it out.

When using a stepladder, never stand higher than two steps from the top of the ladder?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Standing 2 steps or lower from the top of the ladder will help prevent falls.

Which of the following is the correct height-to-ground ratio to use when setting up an extension ladder?

• 3:1

• 4:1

• 5:1

• 8:1

Answer explanation

The base of the ladder should be positioned 1 foot away from the building for every 4 feet of the ladder length