It's okay to carry tools and other equipment up ladders, but you should not carry them down the ladder.

It's okay to carry tools and other equipment up ladders, but you should not carry them down the ladder.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with gloves
• D. Only if lighter than a tool

Answer: (B)

The important safety idea here is keeping both hands free and your body balanced while using a ladder. You should not be carrying tools or equipment while climbing up or down. Tools belong in a tool belt, bucket, or hoisted with a line so your hands can stay on the ladder and you keep three points of contact. Descending with a tool is especially risky because it can throw off your balance, cause you to miss a rung, or drop the tool on yourself or someone below. Use a rope or hoist to move tools to the top and lower them safely, or place them on a secure platform at the top. In short, ladders require you to avoid carrying items at all times; stay balanced and keep tools secure.

The important safety idea here is keeping both hands free and your body balanced while using a ladder. You should not be carrying tools or equipment while climbing up or down. Tools belong in a tool belt, bucket, or hoisted with a line so your hands can stay on the ladder and you keep three points of contact. Descending with a tool is especially risky because it can throw off your balance, cause you to miss a rung, or drop the tool on yourself or someone below. Use a rope or hoist to move tools to the top and lower them safely, or place them on a secure platform at the top. In short, ladders require you to avoid carrying items at all times; stay balanced and keep tools secure.