For ladders, the minimum number of utility lines is which of the following?

• A. 3 utility lines
• B. 2 utility lines
• C. 1 utility line
• D. 4 utility lines

Answer: (A)

Ladder safety around utilities means you must stay clear of any live lines that could be touched or reached. The minimum number of utility lines you must account for is three: electrical power lines, gas lines, and telecom or other service lines. Each of these poses a distinct hazard—electricity, flammable gas, and communication/cabling networks—so you should not position the ladder if any one of them is within reach or within the defined clearance. If one of these lines is present, adjust your setup, use alternate access, or arrange for the utility to secure or de-energize the line. Focusing on fewer than three lines would ignore a potential hazard, and assuming more than three isn’t necessary would also be unsafe.