A portable ladder shall support at least ____ times the maximum intended load?

A portable ladder shall support at least ____ times the maximum intended load?

• A. 3.3
• B. 1.5
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (D)

Ladders are built with a safety margin to handle more than the worker’s usual weight. The standard requires supporting at least four times the maximum intended load, which includes the weight of the user plus tools and equipment. This extra factor accounts for dynamic forces and potential jolts or slips while climbing or reaching, ensuring the ladder won’t fail during typical use. Lower factors like 3, 3.3, or 1.5 times do not provide that needed safety margin, so four is the correct requirement.

Ladders are built with a safety margin to handle more than the worker’s usual weight. The standard requires supporting at least four times the maximum intended load, which includes the weight of the user plus tools and equipment. This extra factor accounts for dynamic forces and potential jolts or slips while climbing or reaching, ensuring the ladder won’t fail during typical use. Lower factors like 3, 3.3, or 1.5 times do not provide that needed safety margin, so four is the correct requirement.