OSHA 30 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

Portable ladders must be designed to withstand how many times their maximum load?

1. 2 times

2. 3 times

3. 4 times

4. 5 times

The correct answer is: 4 times

Portable ladders are required to be designed to withstand four times their maximum load to ensure safety during use. This design standard provides a substantial margin of safety that accounts for unexpected forces or loads that may occur while the ladder is in use, such as sudden swaying or the weight of tools carried by a user. The requirement to withstand four times the maximum load ensures that even if the ladder is subjected to conditions beyond normal use, it remains safe for the user. This standard not only helps in preventing accidents but also instills confidence among workers who rely on ladders for various tasks in the construction environment. In addition, the specific load requirements depend on the classification of the ladder (e.g., light duty, medium duty, or heavy duty), but the four-fold strength requirement is a common benchmark identified in safety regulations. This principle promotes best practices in maintaining ladder safety and stability on worksites.