Which ladder rating would be appropriate for a worker weighing about 270 pounds?

Which ladder rating would be appropriate for a worker weighing about 270 pounds?

• A. Light Duty
• B. Medium Duty
• C. Heavy Duty
• D. Extra Heavy Duty

Answer: (D)

Ladder ratings indicate how much weight the ladder can safely carry, including you and anything you’re carrying or using while on it. You choose a ladder with a rating above your total load to leave a safety margin for movement and balance. For someone around 270 pounds, lighter and mid-range ladders won’t provide enough capacity, and even the heavy-duty category can be borderline when you factor in tools and dynamic movement. The extra-heavy-duty category is built for higher loads and gives the necessary safety margin for a worker of this weight. That’s why it’s the appropriate choice here.

Ladder ratings indicate how much weight the ladder can safely carry, including you and anything you’re carrying or using while on it. You choose a ladder with a rating above your total load to leave a safety margin for movement and balance.

For someone around 270 pounds, lighter and mid-range ladders won’t provide enough capacity, and even the heavy-duty category can be borderline when you factor in tools and dynamic movement. The extra-heavy-duty category is built for higher loads and gives the necessary safety margin for a worker of this weight. That’s why it’s the appropriate choice here.