Which of the following is NOT a piece of PPE necessary for ladder handling?

When considering the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for ladder handling, it’s essential to focus on clothing and gear that directly protect the worker during the specific task of using or moving a ladder. Climbing boots are important as they provide traction and stability while ascending or descending the ladder, which is critical for maintaining safety.

Safety gloves are also vital since they can enhance grip, protect against blisters, and offer some level of protection from splinters or sharp objects one might encounter while handling the ladder. Safety hard hats protect the head from falling objects and potential head injuries, which can occur in work sites where ladders are frequently used.

On the other hand, while a safety harness is a crucial piece of safety equipment in scenarios where there’s a risk of falling—especially when working at heights—it is not generally required for ladder handling unless working from an extended height or in more dangerous conditions. Therefore, it is not considered a standard requirement for all ladder handling situations. This distinction helps clarify why a safety harness would not be categorized as essential PPE for basic ladder handling tasks.