Question 1

A portable ladder must extend at least how many feet above the upper landing surface?

Accepted Answer

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface.

Question 2

The proper angle for setting up a straight or extension ladder is a ratio of:

Accepted Answer

Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length, creating a 4:1 ratio (75.5 degree angle).

Question 3

Metal ladders must NOT be used near:

Accepted Answer

Metal ladders must not be used near exposed energized electrical equipment or power lines because metal conducts electricity and could result in electrocution.

Question 4

When climbing a ladder, employees must maintain:

Accepted Answer

When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times.

Question 5

A stairway or ladder must be provided at all personnel access points where there is a break in elevation of:

Accepted Answer

A stairway or ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, or sloped embankment is provided.

Question 6

The maximum spacing between rungs on a ladder is:

Accepted Answer

The rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders and fixed ladders shall be spaced not less than 10 inches apart, nor more than 14 inches apart, along the ladder's side rails. The standard on-center distance is 12 inches.

Question 7

Ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.

Question 8

What is the minimum clear width of a stairway used as a means of access?

Accepted Answer

Stairways installed after March 15, 1991, shall not be less than 22 inches wide.

Question 9

Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must have:

Accepted Answer

Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, shall be equipped with at least one handrail and one stair rail system along each unprotected side or edge.

Question 10

The top of a stair rail system must be not less than how many inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the tread?

Accepted Answer

Stair rail systems shall be not less than 36 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

Question 11

What is the maximum load capacity for a Type I (heavy-duty) ladder?

Accepted Answer

Type I (heavy-duty) ladders are rated for 250 pounds. Type IA (extra heavy-duty) are rated for 300 pounds. Type II (medium-duty) are rated for 225 pounds. Type III (light-duty) are rated for 200 pounds.

Question 12

A ladder with a broken or missing rung, cleat, or step must be:

Accepted Answer

Defective ladders with structural defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, steps, side rails, or corroded components must be immediately marked as defective and withdrawn from service until repaired.

Question 13

The base of a ladder must be placed on:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall be placed on a stable and level surface unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. Ladders placed on unstable surfaces are prohibited.

Question 14

When must training be provided for ladder and stairway use?

Accepted Answer

The employer shall provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways. Training shall be provided before the employee begins work requiring their use.

Question 15

The top step of a stepladder must NOT be used unless:

Accepted Answer

The top step and top cap of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. Standing on the top cap or top step can cause the ladder to become unstable.

Question 16

What should be done with a ladder that cannot be immediately repaired?

Accepted Answer

Defective ladders that cannot be immediately repaired shall be tagged 'DANGEROUS, DO NOT USE' or similar language, and removed from service until repaired.

Question 17

Employees must NOT carry heavy or bulky loads while climbing a ladder if it:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall not be loaded beyond their maximum intended load or beyond the manufacturer's rated capacity. Employees should not carry loads that could cause loss of balance.

Question 18

Self-supporting (stepladder) and non-self-supporting (straight and extension) ladders must support at least how many times the maximum intended load?

Accepted Answer

Portable ladders must be able to support at least 4 times the maximum intended load, except that extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load.

Question 19

The OSHA standard for ladders and stairways in construction is:

Accepted Answer

Subpart X of 29 CFR 1926 covers stairway and ladder requirements for construction, including sections 1926.1050 through 1926.1060.

Question 20

A ladder must be secured at the top, bottom, or both to prevent displacement when:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement. When on an unstable surface, when used for access, and when multiple workers may be on the ladder, securing is essential.

Question 21

Extension ladders must have a minimum overlap between sections. For a ladder up to 36 feet, the overlap must be at least:

Accepted Answer

For extension ladders up to 36 feet in length, the overlap between sections must be at least 3 feet. For ladders 36 to 48 feet, it must be 4 feet. For ladders 48 to 60 feet, it must be 5 feet.

Question 22

Job-made ladders must be constructed with:

Accepted Answer

Job-made ladders shall have cleats uniformly spaced not less than 10 inches apart nor more than 14 inches apart along the side rails.

Question 23

Two or more employees may be on a ladder simultaneously only when:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall not be used by more than one employee at a time unless specifically designed for such use, such as double-cleat ladders.

Question 24

What is the maximum height at which a single-section ladder (single ladder) may be used?

Accepted Answer

Single-section portable ladders shall not exceed 30 feet in length.

Question 25

Ladder training must cover all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Ladder training must cover fall hazards, correct procedures for setup and use, load-carrying capacities, and hazard recognition. Personal medical conditions are not part of standard ladder training.

Question 26

Stairway landings must be at least as wide as the stair and at least how many inches deep?

Accepted Answer

Stairway landings shall be at least as wide as the stair and at least 30 inches measured in the direction of travel.

Question 27

A double-cleat ladder is used for:

Accepted Answer

Double-cleat ladders have two sets of steps (front and back) to allow two-way traffic, reducing congestion at access points.

Question 28

The vertical rise for a flight of stairs must not exceed how many feet between landings?

Accepted Answer

Flights of stairs shall be installed at not more than a 12-foot vertical rise between landings.

Question 29

Ladders placed in passageways, doorways, or driveways where they could be displaced by workplace activities must be:

Accepted Answer

Ladders placed in passageways or driveways must be secured to prevent displacement, or barricades must be placed to keep traffic away from the ladder.

Question 30

A Type IA (extra heavy-duty) ladder has a maximum load capacity of:

Accepted Answer

Type IA (extra heavy-duty) ladders have a maximum load capacity of 300 pounds. These are commonly used on construction sites.

Question 31

Pan-type stairs (metal stairs) must be filled with material to create a level, uniform surface. What materials can be used?

Accepted Answer

Pan-type treads and landings shall be filled in with solid material to create a level, uniform walking surface. Concrete, wood, or other solid materials may be used.

Question 32

What is the correct practice when working from a ladder?

Accepted Answer

When working from a ladder, the worker's belt buckle (center of gravity) should stay between the side rails. Over-reaching to the side can cause the ladder to shift and tip over.

Question 33

Spiral stairways are NOT permitted to be used by:

Accepted Answer

Spiral stairways are not permitted for members of the general public but may be used in limited situations for employees when other types of stairways are not practical.

Question 34

When a ladder is used to access a roof, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the roof line and be:

Accepted Answer

When accessing an upper landing surface, the ladder must extend 3 feet above the landing and be secured at the top to prevent displacement.

Question 35

The minimum clear distance between the rung of a fixed ladder and any obstruction behind the ladder must be:

Accepted Answer

The minimum perpendicular clearance between fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and any obstruction behind the ladder shall be 7 inches.

Question 36

Ladders must be used only for their designed purpose. Using a ladder as a:

Accepted Answer

Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Using a ladder as a horizontal platform, scaffold support, or brace is prohibited unless specifically designed for that purpose.

Question 37

Riser height on stairways shall be uniform and not vary more than:

Accepted Answer

Stairway riser height and tread depth shall be uniform within each flight of stairs. Variation in riser height or tread depth shall not be more than 1/4 inch in any stairway system.

Question 38

An employee climbing a ladder should face the ladder and:

Accepted Answer

Employees should face the ladder when climbing, maintain three points of contact, and use a tool belt, hoist line, or other method to carry tools rather than holding them while climbing.

Question 39

What is the minimum width between side rails of a job-made ladder?

Accepted Answer

The width between side rails of a job-made ladder shall be at least 16 inches for ladders up to and including 10 feet in length.

Question 40

Ladders with structural defects shall be:

Accepted Answer

Portable ladders with structural defects, such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, or broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty parts, shall be tagged and removed from service.

Question 41

What is the correct angle for setting up a portable straight or extension ladder?

Accepted Answer

The 4-to-1 rule requires that portable ladders be set up so the base is 1 foot away from the supporting structure for every 4 feet of working length. This creates approximately a 75-degree angle, which provides optimal stability.

Question 42

When a ladder is used to access an upper landing surface, how far must the side rails extend above the landing?

Accepted Answer

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access. This provides a secure handhold for transitioning on and off the ladder.

Question 43

At what height difference must a stairway or ladder be provided for employees on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

A stairway or ladder must be provided at all personnel points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.

Question 44

A stepladder should be used in what position?

Accepted Answer

Stepladders must be used only in the fully open position with the spreader bars locked. Using a stepladder in a closed or partially open position as a straight ladder creates an unstable condition and is prohibited.

Question 45

What should a worker do if they discover a damaged or defective ladder?

Accepted Answer

Defective ladders must be immediately tagged as 'Dangerous: Do Not Use' or similar, withdrawn from service, and either repaired to original condition, destroyed, or discarded. Workers should never use a damaged ladder, as structural integrity may be compromised.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for ladder use on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Workers must maintain three points of contact when climbing a ladder (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). Carrying tools with both hands while climbing is prohibited because it prevents maintaining three-point contact. Tools should be raised and lowered using a hand line or tool belt.

Question 47

What is the minimum width of a stairway on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Stairways used during construction must have a minimum width of 22 inches between vertical barriers. This provides adequate room for workers to safely ascend and descend while maintaining proper footing.

Question 48

Portable ladders with structural defects such as broken rungs or split rails must be handled in which way?

Accepted Answer

Ladders with structural defects must be immediately withdrawn from service. They must be tagged 'Dangerous: Do Not Use' or with similar language and either repaired to their original design criteria, destroyed, or discarded. Makeshift repairs are not acceptable.

Question 49

When must employers provide a training program for employees using ladders and stairways?

Accepted Answer

Employers must provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways. Training must be provided when there is reason to believe that any employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required. Training must enable employees to recognize hazards and the proper procedures to minimize those hazards.

Question 50

What is a double-cleated ladder, and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A double-cleated ladder has a center rail that separates the ladder into two climbing sections, allowing two-way traffic. Double-cleated ladders or two separate ladders are required when a ladder is the only means of access or exit to a working area for 25 or more employees, or when the ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic.

Question 51

Stairways with four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches, must have at least one handrail and what additional feature?

Accepted Answer

Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, must be equipped with at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. This prevents falls from open sides of stairways.

Question 52

What is the maximum spacing allowed between rungs or cleats on a ladder?

Accepted Answer

The rungs, cleats, and steps of portable and fixed ladders must be spaced not less than 10 inches apart and not more than 14 inches apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, or steps. However, the uniform spacing must not exceed 12 inches for most ladder types used in construction.

Question 53

What is the minimum height of the top rail of a stairrail system?

Accepted Answer

Stairrail systems must have a top rail that is a minimum of 36 inches in height measured from the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. This height provides adequate protection against falls from stairways.

Question 54

How must the base of a portable ladder be positioned on the ground?

Accepted Answer

Ladders must be placed on a stable and level surface unless secured to prevent displacement. Ladder feet must be placed on a substantial base, and slip-resistant feet or other means must be used to prevent the ladder from slipping. Unstable bases like boxes or barrels must never be used.

Question 55

Ladder duty ratings classify ladders by weight capacity. What is the weight capacity of a Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) ladder?

Accepted Answer

Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) ladders are rated for 300 pounds. The duty rating system classifies ladders as: Type III (Light Duty) at 200 lbs, Type II (Medium Duty) at 225 lbs, Type I (Heavy Duty) at 250 lbs, and Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) at 300 lbs. Workers must account for their body weight plus tools and materials when selecting the appropriate ladder.

Question 56

A temporary stairway landing must be provided at every ____ feet of vertical rise.

Accepted Answer

Landings on stairways must be provided at every 12 feet or less of vertical rise. Each landing must be at least as wide as the stairway and at least 20 inches in depth measured in the direction of travel. Landings provide a resting point and reduce the risk of falls on long stairways.

Question 57

What is the maximum height of a step ladder that can be used in construction?

Accepted Answer

Stepladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used. Workers must never stand on the top two steps of a stepladder (the top cap and the step below it), as these positions compromise balance and the ladder's structural stability.

Question 58

A worker needs to access a roof 24 feet above grade using an extension ladder. Considering the 3-foot extension requirement above the landing, what is the minimum ladder length needed?

Accepted Answer

The ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the 24-foot landing (total 27 feet of usable length above grade). However, the working length of an extension ladder is reduced by the overlap of sections and the 4-to-1 setup angle. Accounting for overlap and the setup angle, a 28-foot ladder is the minimum to provide adequate working length and the required 3-foot extension above the landing surface.

Question 59

On a construction site, a fixed ladder extends 40 feet without any cages, wells, or ladder safety systems. This installation violates OSHA standards because fixed ladders over what height must have a cage, well, ladder safety device, or self-retracting lifeline?

Accepted Answer

Fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level must be equipped with a cage, well, ladder safety device, or self-retracting lifeline. Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet, rest platforms must be provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet, and the ladder sections must be offset.

Question 60

A competent person on a construction site inspects a metal extension ladder and finds that several rungs are bent and the locking mechanism is not engaging properly. The ladder is also missing its safety feet. Which action is required?

Accepted Answer

A ladder with bent rungs, a malfunctioning lock, and missing safety feet has multiple structural defects that compromise its safety. OSHA requires that such ladders be immediately withdrawn from service, marked with 'Dangerous: Do Not Use' or similar wording, and either repaired to meet original design criteria or destroyed. No makeshift repairs or limited-use workarounds are permitted.

Ladders & Stairways Practice Questions

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