How many points of contact are recommended when climbing a ladder?

• A. Two points of contact.
• B. Three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).
• C. Four points of contact.
• D. Five points of contact.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining three points of contact while climbing a ladder is the safest approach. This means you should keep at least two limbs holding the ladder and a third point pressed to the ladder for balance at all times. The recommended pattern is two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. This setup gives you a stable base so you can control your balance and respond quickly if one point slips. It also frees one limb to reach or adjust tools without losing stability. Having four points tied up on the ladder can make it hard to move or reposition, and two points provides less stability and a greater risk of a fall if you slip. Stay centered between the rails, climb one step at a time, and only move a limb after reestablishing three points of contact.