which of the following ladder materials should be avoided when working near power lines

When working near power lines, metal (especially aluminum) ladders should be avoided because they conduct electricity and can cause severe shock or electrocution if they contact or even come close to energized lines.

Safe vs unsafe ladder materials

• Unsafe near power lines:
  • Metal ladders, including aluminum and other conductive metal alloys, can easily carry current from a live line through the ladder and into a person holding or touching it.

• Safer alternatives:
  • Fiberglass ladders are preferred because they are nonconductive when clean and dry and are widely recommended for electrical work and for jobs near overhead lines.

* Wood ladders (without metal reinforcement or hardware that could bridge a fault) are also considered nonconductive when dry, though they are generally less durable than fiberglass and can become conductive if wet or contaminated.

How this is usually tested or asked

In exam-style or quiz questions framed as “Which of the following ladder materials should be avoided when working near power lines?”, the expected correct choice is:

Aluminum (or metal) ladder – because it is conductive and poses a high electrocution risk near energized overhead lines.

If the options include “aluminum,” “metal,” or “conductive” ladders versus “wood” or “fiberglass,” the one to avoid is the aluminum/metal ladder.