Ladder Safety Questions

Who should inspect ladders for visible defects before each use?

• Any employee

• A qualified person

• The ladder owner

• A supervisor

What should be done with damaged or worn ladders?

• Repaired immediately

• Used with caution

• Destroyed

• Stored away

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for ladder inspection?

• Ladders should be free of oil, grease, or slippery materials

• All hardware and fittings need to be properly and securely attached

• Ladders should be painted regularly

• The ladder base must have slip-resistant material

What should be checked to ensure the top section of an extension ladder will not fall?

• Ropes and pulleys

• Ladder extension locks

• Rung locks on the rails of the top section

• Extension guide brackets

What should be done with a ladder that has been exposed to fire or strong chemicals?

• Cleaned thoroughly

• Discarded

• Repaired

• Used with caution

Which of the following should be checked when inspecting metal ladders?

• Integrity of rungs and rails

• Loose rungs, nails, bolts screws and other metal parts

• Cracks, chips and splinters

• The two front legs should be of the same length

What should you look for in wooden ladders during an inspection?

• Deformed rails or rungs from heat, chemical or environmental exposure

• Spreaders are intact and lock correctly

• Chips, splits, cracks and splinters in the rails

• Tags or stickers reading "CAUTION-Do Not Use Around Electrical Equipment"

When inspecting self-supporting step ladders, what should be checked?

• Sharp edges, corners and burrs

• The two front legs should be of the same length and the two hind legs should also be of the same length

• Holes and knots

• Damage from corrosion

What should you do to keep the area around the top and bottom of a ladder clear?

• Place tools and materials around the ladder.

• Keep the area clear of any obstructions.

• Allow people to walk around the ladder.

• Store heavy equipment near the ladder.

What should you do if you need to use a ladder in a crowded area?

• Ignore the crowd and set up the ladder.

• Erect warning signs or barricades to guide traffic away from the foot of the ladder.

• Set up the ladder in the middle of the crowd.

• Ask people to hold the ladder while you climb.