Which method provides a safe securement to a ground ladder?

Which method provides a safe securement to a ground ladder?

• A. Rope
• B. Elbow lock
• C. Hose strap
• D. Leg lock

Answer: (D)

Securing a ground ladder requires a method that actively prevents movement at the base as you climb. The leg lock does this by wrapping a strap around the ladder legs at the base and tightening it so the legs can’t splay or slide. This creates a stable, quick-acting restraint that holds the ladder firmly to the surface and remains effective under the weight shifts of a climber. It’s designed for this purpose and doesn’t rely on knots or friction that can loosen. Rope can slip or loosen under load, making it less reliable for base security. Hose straps aren’t designed for ladder base restraint and can slip or stretch, reducing stability. An elbow lock isn’t a standard, dependable securement method for a ladder base and doesn’t provide the same steadfast stability.

Securing a ground ladder requires a method that actively prevents movement at the base as you climb. The leg lock does this by wrapping a strap around the ladder legs at the base and tightening it so the legs can’t splay or slide. This creates a stable, quick-acting restraint that holds the ladder firmly to the surface and remains effective under the weight shifts of a climber. It’s designed for this purpose and doesn’t rely on knots or friction that can loosen.

Rope can slip or loosen under load, making it less reliable for base security. Hose straps aren’t designed for ladder base restraint and can slip or stretch, reducing stability. An elbow lock isn’t a standard, dependable securement method for a ladder base and doesn’t provide the same steadfast stability.