What percentage of each rung's length must be covered by skid-resistant material?

• A. 40%
• B. 60%
• C. 80%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

Traction on ladder rungs is about giving climbers a reliable footing. The rule sets a minimum amount of rung length that must have skid-resistant material to ensure a solid grip across most of the area where a boot lands.

Sixty percent of each rung’s length must be covered. This provides enough surface for traction even when the boot surface is dirty or wet, while avoiding the extra cost and weight of covering every inch. Less than this reduces grip risk, while more isn’t required by the standard, though some ladders may have more than the minimum. So the correct amount is sixty percent.