As you approach your power, you notice both units are shutdown and the steps are not illuminated. How will you climb aboard?

• A. Wait for daylight.
• B. Climb using the steps regardless.
• C. Use the handholds in the dark.
• D. Using your light if it's nighttime.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that safe boarding requires you to have proper visibility when the steps aren’t lit. If the power unit is shut down and the steps aren’t illuminated, you cannot reliably see where to place your feet or grasp handholds. Bringing your own light to illuminate the steps lets you clearly see each tread and grip, ensuring you can maintain three points of contact and avoid a fall or pinch point. That’s why using your light at night is the safest and most practical choice in this situation.

Waiting for daylight can cause unnecessary delay and isn’t reliable if you’re already there after dark. Climbing without light or using handholds in the dark without illumination still leaves you blind to the exact locations of steps and potential hazards. Using your light directly addresses visibility to perform the climb safely.