Florida Fire State Practice Exam

What are the channels or slots on the beams of a ladder known as?

1. Rungs

2. Guides

3. Supports

4. Steps

The correct answer is: Guides

The channels or slots on the beams of a ladder are referred to as guides. These guides serve a crucial function by allowing the ladder's rungs to be positioned securely along the length of the beams. This design not only facilitates the stability of the ladder but also helps in ensuring that the rungs maintain a consistent width and alignment, which is essential for safe use. Rungs refer specifically to the horizontal steps on the ladder that individuals step on, while supports are components that provide overall structural integrity. Steps is a term often used interchangeably with rungs but does not represent the channels or slots in the ladder's design. Understanding that guides are integral to the construction and functionality of ladders can help emphasize the importance of each component for overall safety and usability.