In ladder safety practices, what is the recommended action when descending a ladder?

Maintaining three points of contact when descending a ladder is critical for ensuring stability and preventing falls. This safety practice involves having either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. By keeping three points of contact, an individual can achieve better balance and grip, making it much less likely to slip or lose control while descending. This principle is a fundamental aspect of ladder safety, as it significantly reduces the risk of accidents.

While looking straight ahead and using both hands can be helpful for balance and awareness, neither of those actions alone address the critical need for stability that three points of contact provides. Using a rope to assist with descent might also be seen as a means to aid in safety; however, it is not a standard practice and does not substitute for the essential safety protocols associated with ladder use. Therefore, three points of contact is the most effective method for safely descending a ladder.