When ascending or descending a ladder, what should the user do?

Facing the ladder while ascending or descending is crucial for maintaining balance and stability. This position allows the user to easily grasp the rungs and ensures that their body remains aligned with the ladder, minimizing the risk of slipping or losing control. Proper body positioning helps in maintaining three points of contact at all times, which is essential for safety. By keeping the ladder within view, the user can also better judge their movements and the distance to each rung, further enhancing their safety while climbing.

In contrast, facing the wall or away from the ladder would compromise this balance and make it difficult to navigate the rungs safely. Looking up while climbing might distract the climber, leading to a lack of attention on their footing and increasing the chances of an accident.