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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Ladder Length and Weight Capacity Quiz: Choose the Right Ladder

Quick, free quiz on ladder length vs capacity. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Guilherme CostaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art for ladder safety quiz, ladders, ruler, weight icon, stepladder, safety symbols on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you match the right ladder to the job by understanding ladder length and weight capacity, so you avoid overload and unsafe reach. You will review safe setup, proper stepladder use, and common mistakes. For more jobsite know-how, learn about safe lifting at work, practice with scaffolding safety questions, and try our warehouse safety quiz.

What is the weight capacity of a Type IA ladder?
200 pounds
375 pounds
300 pounds
250 pounds
A Type IA ladder is classified as special duty with a maximum load rating of 300 pounds. Under ANSI A14.2 and OSHA standards, duty ratings define the combined weight of the user plus any carried materials. This capacity ensures safe usage in heavy-duty and industrial settings. Always verify the ladder's duty rating label before use.
Which ladder duty rating offers the highest maximum load?
Type I (250 lbs)
Type IAA (375 lbs)
Type II (225 lbs)
Type III (200 lbs)
The Type IAA ladder has an extra heavy duty rating and can safely support up to 375 pounds. This makes it suitable for industrial and professional applications where higher loads are anticipated. Lower types have correspondingly lower load capacities, ranging from 200 to 300 pounds. Always match ladder duty rating to your weight plus any tools you carry.
On a stepladder, what is the highest safe standing level?
The second step from the top
The third step from the top
The top cap
The top step
OSHA guidelines stipulate that you should never stand on the cap or top step of a stepladder. The highest safe standing level is the third step from the top, which provides adequate support and balance. Standing any higher increases the risk of tipping or losing balance. Always maintain three points of contact when climbing or standing on a ladder.
If you need to reach a 12-foot working height, what minimum ladder length should you choose?
12 feet
14 feet
15 feet
18 feet
To safely work at a 12-foot height, ladders should extend at least three feet above the work surface. Adding that extra length compensates for the ladder angle and gives you a secure handhold when transitioning on or off the ladder. A 15-foot ladder allows for proper positioning and safety. Always verify ladder height meets or exceeds your intended working height plus required extension.
According to the recommended ladder angle, how far should the base be from the wall for a 20-foot ladder?
4 feet
3 feet
5 feet
6 feet
OSHA and ANSI recommend a 4 to 1 angle ratio, meaning the base should be one-quarter of the ladder length away from the wall. For a 20-foot ladder, this translates to a 5-foot base distance. This angle minimizes the risk of the ladder slipping or tipping backwards. Always measure the base placement before climbing.
What is the minimum recommended overlap for extension ladder sections?
3 rungs
1 rung
No overlap needed
2 rungs
ANSI and OSHA standards require that extension ladder sections overlap by at least three rungs to ensure stability and strength. Proper overlap prevents the ladder from separating under load and distributes weight evenly across sections. Insufficient overlap increases the risk of section separation and accidents. Always check overlap markings before use.
Which of the following is an incorrect use of a stepladder?
Checking for level before climbing
Fully opening and locking the ladder
Standing on the top cap
Maintaining three points of contact
Standing on the top cap of a stepladder is unsafe and against OSHA guidelines. The cap is not designed to support standing loads and offers no handholds, increasing the risk of falls. The proper use involves fully opening and locking the ladder, ensuring level placement, and maintaining three points of contact. Never stand above the highest safe standing level.
When using a ladder around electrical work, which ladder material is safest to use?
Fiberglass
Wood
Aluminum
Steel
Fiberglass ladders are non-conductive and provide electrical insulation, making them the safest choice when working near live circuits or power lines. Aluminum and steel ladders conduct electricity and pose a severe shock hazard. Wooden ladders can also conduct electricity when wet or damaged. Always select ladder material based on the work environment.
How often should portable ladders be inspected?
Before each use
Annually
Weekly
Monthly
OSHA mandates that portable ladders be inspected before each use to identify any defects like cracks, corrosion, or loose rungs. Regular inspections ensure that hazards are caught before they cause an incident. Monthly or annual checks are supplementary, but the pre-use inspection is critical for day-to-day safety. Always document and address any defects immediately.
If a ladder is rated for 300 pounds, what is the maximum combined weight of the user and tools?
250 pounds
375 pounds
200 pounds
300 pounds
Ladder duty ratings specify the maximum combined weight of the user plus any tools or materials. A ladder rated at 300 pounds means the total weight on the ladder must not exceed 300 pounds. This prevents overloading and reduces risk of structural failure. Always weigh tools and gear you will carry before selecting a ladder.
On an extension ladder, you should not step above which rung from the top?
Fourth rung
First rung
Second rung
Third rung
OSHA guidance specifies that users should not stand higher than the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder. Standing above this point can increase the risk of losing balance and falling. The fourth rung limitation ensures a safer center of gravity and stability. Always maintain three points of contact when climbing.
What ANSI standard covers portable metal ladders?
A14.2
A12.3
A10.8
A14.1
ANSI A14.2 is the standard that specifies safety requirements for portable metal ladders. ANSI A14.1 covers wood ladders, while other A14 series standards address fixed ladders and other ladder types. Adhering to the correct ANSI standard ensures ladder design meets recognized safety criteria. Always verify the ladder is certified to the appropriate standard.
For a ladder to be OSHA-compliant, what is the maximum distance allowed between ladder rungs?
10 inches
12 inches
16 inches
14 inches
OSHA regulations stipulate that ladder rungs must be uniformly spaced, with a nominal spacing of 12 inches between each rung. A spacing tolerance of ±1/4 inch is allowed. Uniform rung spacing provides predictable foot placement and reduces the risk of slips or missteps. Manufacturers mark ladders to indicate compliance with these requirements.
What is the primary reason for considering ladder deflection in ladder selection?
To reduce manufacturing costs
To prevent excessive bending under load
To make the ladder lighter
To ensure the ladder folds easily
Ladder deflection describes how much a ladder bends under load. Excessive deflection can make the ladder feel unstable and increase the risk of falls. Selecting a ladder with limited deflection under expected loads ensures rigidity and user confidence. ANSI deflection criteria help manufacturers design ladders that meet performance requirements.
Why is it important to consider the weight of tools when selecting a ladder?
Tools change the ladder angle
Tools make the ladder heavier to carry
Tools can damage ladder rungs
Tools contribute to total load and affect capacity
Tools and materials carried by the user add to the total load applied to the ladder. If the combined weight of user plus tools exceeds the ladder's duty rating, the ladder could fail. Always calculate your personal weight plus tool weight when choosing a ladder. This ensures the ladder supports the total anticipated load safely.
Which of the following best describes the ladder's duty rating?
Material type of the ladder
Maximum supported load including user and equipment
Weight of the ladder itself
Maximum height ladder can reach
A ladder's duty rating indicates the maximum combined load the ladder can support, including the user, tools, and materials. It is not related to ladder height or material but strictly the load capacity. Choosing a ladder with an appropriate duty rating helps prevent overloading incidents. Always select a duty rating that exceeds your total working weight.
According to ANSI standards, a ladder beam deflection of L/180 means the deflection is what?
180% of ladder length
1/180 of an inch
Length divided by 180
180 inches regardless of length
ANSI deflection criteria use L/x notation to indicate maximum allowable bending under load. For L/180, the maximum deflection is the ladder's unsupported length divided by 180. This ensures consistent performance across ladder sizes. Controlling deflection helps maintain stability and prolongs ladder life.
Which type of ladder is most appropriate for use in environments with live electrical sources?
Fiberglass ladder
Wooden ladder
Aluminum extension ladder
Steel ladder
Fiberglass ladders are non-conductive and therefore the safest choice when working near live electrical sources. Aluminum and steel ladders conduct electricity and pose serious shock hazards. While wooden ladders offer some insulation, they can become conductive when wet or damaged. Always use non-conductive ladders near electricity.
What does the term "load duration" refer to in ladder specifications?
Time ladder has been in service
Warranty period
Length of time a load is applied to the ladder
Maximum time to climb the ladder
Load duration indicates how long a specified load is applied to the ladder during testing or use. It's critical for deflection and strength tests under ANSI standards, as different durations can affect material behavior. Short duration loads may allow higher loads without excessive deflection compared to sustained loads. Understanding load duration ensures proper ladder selection for the intended application.
Under OSHA regulations, how far must the side rails of an extension ladder extend above the landing surface?
18 inches
12 inches
48 inches
36 inches
OSHA requires that the side rails of extension ladders extend at least 36 inches (3 feet) above the landing surface to provide a secure handhold when transitioning on and off the ladder. This ensures safer access and reduces the risk of falls at the top of the ladder. Ladder placement should allow for uninterrupted grip on the side rails.
In terms of ladder strength testing, what does the proof test load represent?
Load applied during manufacturing to verify structural integrity
Maximum operational load
Load during storage testing
Load at which ladder permanently deforms
The proof test load is applied during manufacturing and testing to verify the ladder's structural integrity under controlled conditions. It is typically higher than the normal duty rating to ensure a safety margin. This load tests the ladder without causing permanent deformation. Compliance with proof load requirements is mandated by ANSI A14 standards.
Under ANSI A14.2, what information must be permanently marked on every ladder?
Manufacturer's name and duty rating
Purchase price
User's name
Date of first use
ANSI A14.2 requires that each ladder be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name and the duty rating label. This information helps users identify load capacity and ensures they select the correct ladder for the task. Additional markings may include ladder type and model. Permanent labels must remain legible throughout the ladder's service life.
How does temperature affect the load capacity of fiberglass ladders?
High temperatures reduce the ladder's load capacity
Temperature has no effect
Low temperatures reduce load capacity
Only extreme cold affects capacity
Fiberglass ladders can lose stiffness and load capacity at elevated temperatures due to resin softening. Manufacturers specify maximum operating temperatures; exceeding these can compromise structural integrity. At normal and cold temperatures, performance remains largely consistent. Always consult the ladder's specifications for temperature limits.
For a 20-foot (240-inch) fiberglass extension ladder with deflection limited to L/180 under rated load, what is the maximum allowable deflection in inches?
0.75 inches
1.33 inches
2 inches
3 inches
The L/180 deflection criterion means maximum deflection equals the ladder's length divided by 180. For a 240-inch ladder, this calculation yields 240 ÷ 180 ? 1.33 inches. This limit ensures the ladder remains sufficiently rigid under load. Stay within deflection limits to maintain safety and performance.
If a user weighs 175 pounds, carries 50 pounds of tools, and uses a 30-pound ladder, what minimum ladder duty rating should be selected?
200 pounds
225 pounds
250 pounds
300 pounds
The total weight applied to the ladder is the sum of the user, tools, and ladder itself: 175 + 50 + 30 = 255 pounds. To maintain a safety margin and not exceed the duty rating, a ladder rated for at least 300 pounds should be selected. Choosing a ladder with a rating above the calculated load is essential for safe operation.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Ladder Length vs Weight Capacity Relationship -

    Explain what is the relationship between ladder length and weight capacity and how it influences ladder selection and safe use.

  2. Identify Approved Ladder Standards -

    Determine why all ladders shall be approved by the correct industry standards and recognize key certification labels to ensure compliance.

  3. Evaluate Correct Ladder Safety Guidelines -

    Analyze which of the following ladder safety guidelines are correct for both extension ladders and stepladders to prevent accidents.

  4. Apply Proper Stepladder Use Principles -

    Demonstrate proper use of a stepladder, including maintaining three points of contact and positioning on stable ground.

  5. Review Ladder Safety Quiz Answers -

    Use the ladder safety quiz with answers to self-assess your knowledge and boost confidence before climbing.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Relationship Between Ladder Length and Weight Capacity -

    Longer ladders experience greater bending moments (M ≈ F×L) and deflection, which reduces their rated weight capacity. Use the mnemonic "Long Ladder, Lower Load" to remember that as L increases, load capacity drops. For instance, doubling the length can increase deflection eightfold (L³ rule), so always verify manufacturer specs.

  2. Certification Standards: All Ladders Shall Be Approved By Recognized Bodies -

    Every ladder must meet ANSI (A14.2) or OSHA (1910.23) criteria for load capacity and structural integrity. Look for clear labels indicating Type I (75 lbs) through IAA (375 lbs) ratings and third-party test marks. This ensures compliance with industry regulations and enhances on-the-job safety.

  3. Stepladder Safety: Proper Use of a Stepladder Includes the Following Guidelines Except -

    Maintain three points of contact, face the ladder when climbing, and never stand on the top cap or top step. The phrase "Except the Top Cap Trap" helps you recall not to ascend above the highest standing level. Always lock spreaders fully and place feet on a firm, level surface.

  4. Angle and Placement: Which of the Following Ladder Safety Guidelines Are Correct? -

    Apply the 4:1 rule for extension ladders - place the base 1 ft away from the wall for every 4 ft of ladder height to achieve optimal stability. This angle minimizes side-slipping risk and distributes weight evenly. Always secure the ladder at the top and use levelers on uneven ground.

  5. Self-Check: Ladder Safety Quiz with Answers -

    Create a brief self-test covering capacity classes, inspection checkpoints, and setup rules to solidify your knowledge. Example question: "What's the required overlap for a 20 ft extension ladder?" (Answer: 3 ft). Regularly reviewing these Q&As boosts confidence and preparedness before every climb.

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