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Working at Heights overview

Working at Heights: Ladders

Portable ladder grades, set-up angle, extension above the landing, step-ladder rules, three-point contact, inspection, fixed ladders and when not to use a ladder.

  • 16 questions
  • Topic drill
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Ladders · Question 1Score 0/0

What is a common cause of fall injuries from ladders identified in working at heights training?

Study reference: Ontario working at heights sources (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Ladders — O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 78–84; Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.1.6; CCOHS ladder fact sheets

All 16 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. What is a common cause of fall injuries from ladders identified in working at heights training?

    1. Climbing with clean, dry, laced boots
    2. Keeping three points of contact
    3. Overreaching or missing the last step
    4. Facing the ladder when climbing

  2. A fixed access ladder rises 7 m above the floor. What is required?

    1. A second ladder installed right beside the first
    2. A sign telling workers to climb slowly and carefully at all times
    3. A safety cage starting no more than 2.2 m above the floor
    4. Nothing extra, since fixed ladders are always safe

  3. Before using a step-ladder, what must be done?

    1. Remove the spreaders for space
    2. Open the legs fully and lock the spreaders
    3. Lean it closed against the nearest wall
    4. Stand it on a wooden pallet for extra height

  4. Near electrical equipment or wires, which ladder material should not be used?

    1. Aluminum
    2. Fibreglass
    3. Wood with clear finish
    4. Any non-metal

  5. What does three-point contact on a ladder mean?

    1. Two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, on the ladder
    2. Three workers holding the ladder steady at all times below
    3. Three rungs between each step you take going up or down
    4. Three ties fastening the ladder to the structure

  6. A ladder is used to reach a roof. How far must it extend above the landing?

    1. At least 3 metres
    2. At least 150 millimetres
    3. It should stop below it
    4. At least 900 millimetres

  7. Which part of a step-ladder may a worker never stand on?

    1. The second step from the bottom
    2. The top cap, top step or pail shelf
    3. Any step that is painted a bright colour
    4. The first step above the floor

  8. How should a worker get tools up to a work area at height?

    1. Carry them in one hand while climbing up
    2. Use a hoist, hand line, bucket or tool belt
    3. Hold them in the mouth while climbing
    4. Throw them up to a co-worker who is waiting above

  9. How must a ladder used for access between levels be secured?

    1. At both the top and the bottom
    2. It does not need securing
    3. Only at the bottom, by a helper
    4. Only at the top, with tape

  10. What does the 4-to-1 rule for ladder set-up mean?

    1. Use 4 rungs for every 1 metre of the ladder's height
    2. For every 4 units up, the base is 1 unit out from the wall
    3. Inspect the ladder every 4 days, 1 time per shift
    4. For every 4 workers on site, only 1 may climb at any one time

  11. May two short ladders be tied together to make a longer one?

    1. No, unless the manufacturer's instructions allow it
    2. Yes, if a co-worker holds the joint the whole time
    3. Yes, with strong tape wrapped around both rails
    4. Yes, for jobs lasting under an hour

  12. Which grades of manufactured portable ladder may be used on an Ontario construction project?

    1. CSA Grade 1, 1A or 1AA
    2. Any ladder with a sticker
    3. Grade 2 farm ladders only
    4. CSA Grade 3 household only

  13. A ladder has a cracked side rail. What should be done?

    1. Use it only for short climbs today
    2. Tag it and take it out of service
    3. Paint over the crack to seal it
    4. Tape the crack and use it carefully

  14. When should a portable ladder be inspected?

    1. Only after someone has fallen
    2. Only once a year, by the supplier who sold it
    3. Only once, when it is first bought new
    4. Before each use, and after it is dropped

  15. An unsecured extension ladder is 8 m long. How far out should its base be from the point below its top?

    1. At least 6 m out, so the ladder lies almost flat
    2. Exactly 0.5 m, whatever the length of the ladder
    3. Right against the wall, with no gap at all at the base
    4. Between 2 m and about 2.7 m (one-quarter to one-third)

  16. When have you climbed too high on a stepladder?

    1. When your feet are on the bottom step
    2. When the ladder has five or more steps in total
    3. When you can see the whole ceiling clearly
    4. When your knees are above the top of the ladder

Ladders: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

ladders on construction projects

  • A portable ladder on a project must be manufactured to CSA Z11 Grade 1, 1A or 1AA; a custom-built single ladder has rungs 300 mm apart, side rails at least 300 mm apart and is no longer than 9 m.
  • A wooden custom ladder must not be painted with an opaque coating that hides the grain or defects.
  • Portable ladders must be free of defective or loose rungs, on firm level footing, and not used in a hoistway that is in use.
  • If a non-self-supporting ladder is not fastened, its base is between one-quarter and one-third of its length out from the point below its top.
  • Ladders may not be tied together to make a longer ladder unless the manufacturer allows it; manufactured ladders are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • A ladder used for access between levels extends at least 900 mm above the landing, has at least 150 mm clear behind each rung, has clear landings and is secured at top and bottom.
  • Step-ladders: legs fully open and spreaders locked; never stand on the top cap, top step or pail shelf.
  • Fixed access ladders: vertical, rest platforms at least every 9 m, and a safety cage starting no more than 2.2 m up where the ladder rises more than 5 m.
  • Definitions: a step stool is 800 mm or less; a step-ladder is self-supporting with a hinged back; a single ladder has one section and is not self-supporting.

Portable ladders, stepladders, climbing, inspection

  • Ladder grades: Grade 1AA special duty 170 kg (375 lb); 1A extra heavy 136 kg (300 lb); 1 heavy 113 kg (250 lb); Grade 2 medium; Grade 3 household light duty.
  • 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 ft (1.2 m) up, the base is 1 ft (0.3 m) out, about 75 degrees.
  • Keep three-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand); face the ladder; stay centred between the rails.
  • Do not carry tools in your hands while climbing; hoist them or use a tool belt.
  • Do not use the top three rungs of an extension ladder or the top two steps of a stepladder; you have climbed too high if your knees are above the top.
  • Use a fibreglass ladder near electricity, never aluminum; keep away from power lines.
  • Do not join short ladders, use ladders horizontally as planks, or use chairs or boxes as makeshift ladders.
  • Inspect before each use and after a ladder is dropped; tag and remove defective ladders; no makeshift repairs or straightening bent ladders.
  • A stepladder about 1 m shorter than the highest point to reach gives a stable base.
  • Common causes of ladder falls include overreaching, missing a step, wrong ladder, poor condition and poor footing.
  • If a ladder is not a safe means, use other access such as a scaffold or elevating work platform.

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