What should be inspected on a ladder before use to ensure safety?

Inspecting the ladder for defects and cleanliness is crucial for safety. Defects can include any physical damage such as cracks, bent rungs, or loose components that could compromise the ladder's stability and reliability during use. Cleanliness is also important because debris, oil, or other substances on the rungs can create slippery conditions, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Ensuring the ladder is free from both damages and hazardous substances contributes to a safer working environment.

While the other factors, such as material composition, manufacturer label, and ladder specifications like length and height, are important considerations in selecting a ladder, they do not directly impact its immediate safety for use. Material composition could influence durability, the manufacturer label typically provides guidelines and ratings, and length and height determine suitability for specific tasks, but none of these directly address the immediate conditions affecting safety prior to use.