When climbing or descending a ladder, how many points of contact should be maintained?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Maintaining three points of contact keeps you stable as you move on a ladder. With three contact points, you always have a solid base while a limb reaches for the next rung, which helps prevent a slip or wobble if one hand or foot shifts. In practice, this means two points stay on the ladder (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while you reposition the other limb. The rule applies during both climbing and descending, so you can move safely from rung to rung without letting go with all contact points at once.

Two points of contact are not enough to reliably stay balanced while you adjust your grip or footing. Four or five points aren’t necessary for safety and can slow you down. Keeping at least three points of contact gives you the best combination of stability and mobility for safe ladder use.