Which device is used to stabilize long extension ladders on uneven ground?

Which device is used to stabilize long extension ladders on uneven ground?

• A. Lanyards
• B. Guardrails
• C. Rubber feet
• D. Staypoles

Answer: (D)

Stabilizing the base of a long extension ladder on uneven ground is essential to keep the ladder plumb and prevent tipping. Staypoles are specifically designed for this, acting as bracing members that extend from the ladder to solid ground. They create a wider, anchored base and resist side-to-side movement, allowing you to compensate for hollows, rocks, or slopes and maintain a stable angle as you climb or work.

Lanyards are for attaching a person to the ladder for fall protection, not to stabilize the ladder itself. Guardrails protect edges and openings but don’t address ladder stabilization. Rubber feet help with grip, but on uneven or soft surfaces they can slip, sink, or tilt and don’t correct irregular terrain. Staypoles directly address the stability issue by bracing and leveling the ladder base on uneven ground.