According to ladder safety, what is an acceptable way to bring tools to a working level?

• A. Carried up the ladder
• B. Hoisted to the working level with a rope
• C. Either carried up or hoisted
• D. Neither carried up nor hoisted

Answer: (B)

When working from a ladder, you want to keep both hands on the ladder and maintain three points of contact. Carrying tools while you climb breaks that balance and increases the chance of a slip or tool drop. The safe, acceptable way to get tools up is to hoist them to the working level with a rope. This lets you stay steady on the ladder while the tools are delivered to you, reducing the risk of injury to you or others below.

Using a rope to raise tools also aligns with the practice of keeping tools secured and out of the way while you climb, rather than trying to clutch them as you ascend. The other options aren’t the safe approach: carrying tools up the ladder is risky, and there isn’t a safe reason to deny hoisting when it’s done properly and with the right precautions.