What is the recommended number of points of contact during ladder ascent or descent?

What is the recommended number of points of contact during ladder ascent or descent?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Maintaining three points of contact with the ladder provides the most stable base as you move. With three points in contact, you can keep two limbs supporting your weight while the third limb is free to reach for the next rung or foothold, allowing you to reposition safely without losing balance. If you only had two points in contact, a small slip or shift could leave you with insufficient stability, increasing the risk of a fall. Using more than three points isn’t necessary for safety and can slow you down or complicate movement. So, the best guidance is to keep three points of contact at all times during ascent or descent.

Maintaining three points of contact with the ladder provides the most stable base as you move. With three points in contact, you can keep two limbs supporting your weight while the third limb is free to reach for the next rung or foothold, allowing you to reposition safely without losing balance. If you only had two points in contact, a small slip or shift could leave you with insufficient stability, increasing the risk of a fall. Using more than three points isn’t necessary for safety and can slow you down or complicate movement. So, the best guidance is to keep three points of contact at all times during ascent or descent.