You should keep your hands ________ from carrying tools or other materials when climbing a ladder.

You should keep your hands ________ from carrying tools or other materials when climbing a ladder.

• A. Hands free
• B. Hands full
• C. Hands on
• D. Hands near

Answer: (A)

Keeping hands free while climbing a ladder ensures you can maintain a secure grip and balance. When your hands aren’t holding tools or materials, you can maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot), which is the safest way to climb. It also lets you react quickly if you slip and makes it possible to position yourself or grab the ladder with both hands if needed. If you were to have hands full, you’d have less grip and less control, increasing the chance of a fall. Saying hands on or hands near doesn’t convey the need to avoid carrying items and doesn’t directly support safe climbing. To work safely, use a tool belt or a hoist to transport tools and keep your hands free climbing the ladder.

Keeping hands free while climbing a ladder ensures you can maintain a secure grip and balance. When your hands aren’t holding tools or materials, you can maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot), which is the safest way to climb. It also lets you react quickly if you slip and makes it possible to position yourself or grab the ladder with both hands if needed. If you were to have hands full, you’d have less grip and less control, increasing the chance of a fall. Saying hands on or hands near doesn’t convey the need to avoid carrying items and doesn’t directly support safe climbing. To work safely, use a tool belt or a hoist to transport tools and keep your hands free climbing the ladder.