What sign might indicate if a ladder has been exposed to high heat?

The indication of whether a ladder has been exposed to high heat is best represented by blistered paint or heavy carbon deposits. When a ladder experiences exposure to intense heat, the paint on its surface can blister and peel due to the thermal stress. Additionally, intense heat can cause carbon deposits from combustion materials to adhere to the surface of the ladder. These visual changes serve as significant markers of potential damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the ladder.

Frayed edges, while indicative of wear and tear, do not specifically relate to heat exposure; rather, they suggest mechanical damage or a result of use over time. Color fading may indicate ultraviolet (UV) exposure or other environmental impacts, but it doesn’t directly signify heat exposure. Rust on metal parts typically results from moisture exposure and oxidation, not high temperatures. Each of these could be signs of deterioration, but blistered paint and carbon deposits are the clearest indicators of heat-related damage.