During inspection, what should be assessed for signs of damage on ladders?

Ladders are essential tools for firefighting and rescue operations, and ensuring their integrity during inspections is crucial for safety. During the inspection process, assessing all joints and connections is vital, as this is where potential weaknesses can develop, leading to failure during use. Additionally, checking for rung stability and condition is equally important because compromised rungs can jeopardize the stability of the ladder and the safety of firefighters using it.

Both the joints and connections as well as the rungs need to be examined thoroughly to ensure the ladder can support the intended weight and withstand the rigors of firefighting operations. The combination of these two aspects is critical for confirming that the ladder remains safe and reliable for operational use. Therefore, the best approach during inspections of ladders is to assess both the joints and connections alongside rung stability and condition, which is why this option is selected as the correct response.