What material should ladders be kept away from to prevent corrosion?

Keeping ladders away from corrosive materials is crucial for maintaining their integrity and safety. Corrosive substances, such as certain chemicals or solvents, can react with the materials of the ladder—especially metal components—leading to rust, weakening, and potentially catastrophic failures during use. Corrosion not only compromises the ladder’s strength and stability but can also create hazardous surfaces that may lead to slips or falls.

In contrast, wood and plastic do not inherently promote corrosion in the same way that corrosive materials do, although they may have other types of wear and tear associated with them. Steel, while subject to corrosion if exposed to moisture or corrosive agents, does not carry the same risk when considered in isolation as a material to avoid. Therefore, understanding the critical need to keep ladders away from corrosive materials ensures their durability and reinforces safety practices when using ladders.