Stairways and Ladders — OSHA 30 practice questions

A portable ladder used to access a landing must extend above the landing by at least:

1. 1 ft
2. 2 ft
3. 3 ft
4. 5 ft

Answer: C — 3 ft

Off-by-one trap. 3 ft minimum extension.

Three points of contact while climbing means:

1. Two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times
2. Three feet always touching
3. Three hands always touching
4. Carry tools in both hands

Answer: A — Two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times

Correct definition.

Ladder rule — extension above landing:

1. 1 ft
2. 6 ft
3. 3 ft
4. Same as landing

Answer: C — 3 ft

A/B/D) Wrong. C) Correct — 3 ft extension. Prevents falls when transitioning.

A worker must change a light fixture near an energized overhead conductor. Which ladder is the BEST choice?

1. An aluminum ladder because it is lighter to position
2. A fiberglass ladder with nonconductive side rails
3. A wood ladder painted with aluminum-based paint
4. Any ladder, provided the worker wears rubber-soled boots

Answer: B — A fiberglass ladder with nonconductive side rails

B) Correct — nonconductive side rails are required where a worker could contact exposed energized conductors. A) Aluminum conducts electricity and is the classic wrong pick near conductors. C) Metallic paint can make a wood ladder conductive and also hides defects. D) PPE-first thinking; footwear does not make a conductive ladder safe.

Which action on a stepladder is prohibited?

1. Fully opening the spreaders before climbing
2. Facing the ladder while ascending and descending
3. Placing the ladder on a firm, level surface
4. Standing on the top cap of the ladder to gain reach

Answer: D — Standing on the top cap of the ladder to gain reach

D) Correct — the top cap and, on most stepladders, the top step are not designed to be stood upon. A) Locking the spreaders is required setup, not a violation. B) Facing the ladder is correct climbing technique. C) Firm level footing is exactly what the standard expects.

What duty rating should be selected for a ladder, and what does the rating include?

The rating must exceed the total of the worker's weight plus tools and materials. Type IAA is 375 lb, IA 300 lb, I 250 lb, II 225 lb, and III 200 lb.

Ladder safety?

Extend 3 ft above landing. 4:1 ratio (1 ft out for 4 ft up). Three points of contact when climbing. Inspect before use. Don't use top step of stepladder.