Which label should be applied to an unsafe ladder?

Which label should be applied to an unsafe ladder?

• A. Do Not Touch
• B. Remove
• C. Do Not Use
• D. Unsafe

Answer: (C)

When a tool or piece of equipment is unsafe, the message needs to clearly tell people not to use it. The best label for an unsafe ladder is “Do Not Use” because it directly instructs anyone who sees it that the ladder must not be placed into service until it’s inspected, repaired, or discarded. It eliminates ambiguity and stops use immediately, which is the primary goal of hazard labeling. Other labels don’t convey the action as strongly. “Do Not Touch” focuses on not handling the item, but a damaged ladder could still be used or moved inadvertently. “Remove” might imply physically taking the ladder away, which is a separate action but doesn’t consistently communicate the current in-use ban. “Unsafe” flags the condition, but it doesn’t provide an explicit instruction on what to do about it. The direct instruction to not use keeps everyone safe by preventing use until proper resolution.

When a tool or piece of equipment is unsafe, the message needs to clearly tell people not to use it. The best label for an unsafe ladder is “Do Not Use” because it directly instructs anyone who sees it that the ladder must not be placed into service until it’s inspected, repaired, or discarded. It eliminates ambiguity and stops use immediately, which is the primary goal of hazard labeling.

Other labels don’t convey the action as strongly. “Do Not Touch” focuses on not handling the item, but a damaged ladder could still be used or moved inadvertently. “Remove” might imply physically taking the ladder away, which is a separate action but doesn’t consistently communicate the current in-use ban. “Unsafe” flags the condition, but it doesn’t provide an explicit instruction on what to do about it. The direct instruction to not use keeps everyone safe by preventing use until proper resolution.