When inspecting a fiberglass ladder for safety, which issues should you check for?

When inspecting a fiberglass ladder for safety, which issues should you check for?

• A. cracked or split side rails
• B. missing rivets
• C. broken rungs
• D. all of these

Answer: (D)

When a fiberglass ladder is inspected for safety, the focus is on any damage or hardware issues that could weaken the ladder or create a fall risk. Cracked or split side rails show the main load path is compromised and the ladder could fail under load. Missing rivets mean the connections between rails and rungs aren’t secure, which can allow movement or detachment. Broken rungs directly reduce the ladder’s ability to support weight and can cause a fall if a rung fails while climbing. Because any of these conditions can lead to serious injury, all of these issues should be checked and addressed—remove the ladder from service if any are found.

When a fiberglass ladder is inspected for safety, the focus is on any damage or hardware issues that could weaken the ladder or create a fall risk. Cracked or split side rails show the main load path is compromised and the ladder could fail under load. Missing rivets mean the connections between rails and rungs aren’t secure, which can allow movement or detachment. Broken rungs directly reduce the ladder’s ability to support weight and can cause a fall if a rung fails while climbing. Because any of these conditions can lead to serious injury, all of these issues should be checked and addressed—remove the ladder from service if any are found.