Which safety rule applies when using a straight ladder?

• A. Do not use a straight ladder without a safety belt
• B. Always wear a hard hat
• C. Maintain three points of contact at all times
• D. Do not carry tools while climbing

Answer: (A)

When using a straight ladder, the main safety rule is to have fall protection in place, typically a safety belt (or harness) connected to an anchor. A straight ladder can slip or tip, and without fall protection you’re at high risk of a serious fall. Wearing a safety belt helps arrest a fall and keeps you safer while you work at height.

Other measures are useful but don’t provide the same protection. A hard hat protects the head from falling objects, not a fall itself. Keeping three points of contact is a good climbing technique for balance, but it won’t prevent a fall if the ladder shifts. Not carrying tools while climbing reduces the chance of losing balance, but it doesn’t address fall arrest if a slip occurs.