When using a ladder around electrical lines, the worker should _____.

When using a ladder around electrical lines, the worker should _____.

• A. Make sure the ladder has a good base
• B. Use wooden stand-offs
• C. Not use a metal ladder
• D. Wrap the ladder in rags

Answer: (C)

Electricity safety around ladders focuses on preventing current from traveling through the ladder to the worker. Metal ladders are good conductors, so if a line or a fault energizes the ladder, the current can travel through the metal and into you, risking severe shock or electrocution. The safest practice is to choose a non-conductive ladder when working near electrical lines—typically fiberglass—because it resists electrical conduction better than metal and provides a safer path if accidental contact occurs. Wood ladders can also be non-conductive, but they’re more affected by moisture and wear, making fiberglass the preferred option in electrical hazards. Other options don’t address the electrical risk: a solid base matters for fall protection but doesn’t remove the conductivity issue, wooden stand-offs can still carry moisture and conduct, and wrapping the ladder in rags would introduce fire and insulation problems without improving electrical safety.

Electricity safety around ladders focuses on preventing current from traveling through the ladder to the worker. Metal ladders are good conductors, so if a line or a fault energizes the ladder, the current can travel through the metal and into you, risking severe shock or electrocution. The safest practice is to choose a non-conductive ladder when working near electrical lines—typically fiberglass—because it resists electrical conduction better than metal and provides a safer path if accidental contact occurs. Wood ladders can also be non-conductive, but they’re more affected by moisture and wear, making fiberglass the preferred option in electrical hazards. Other options don’t address the electrical risk: a solid base matters for fall protection but doesn’t remove the conductivity issue, wooden stand-offs can still carry moisture and conduct, and wrapping the ladder in rags would introduce fire and insulation problems without improving electrical safety.