Always maintain at least _______ points of contact with hands on the grab handles and feet on the ground or steps.

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (B)

Maintaining balance while getting in or out of equipment relies on keeping a secure grip and footing. The minimum you should have is two points of contact at all times. That means you should have two contact points—such as one hand on a grab handle and a foot on a step, or both hands on handles with one foot planted—before you shift your weight or move to the next step. Two points give you enough stability to control your body and recover if you stumble, without requiring a full, rigid setup.

Having only one point of contact would leave you with little stability and a higher risk of slipping. You can have more than two points of contact when you’re able (for example, both hands on handles and both feet on steps), but the key idea is that two is the minimum safe standard in this scenario.