What is the proper distance from ladder feet to the wall?

What is the proper distance from ladder feet to the wall?

• A. One-half the working height
• B. One-fourth the working height
• C. One-third the working height
• D. Equal to the working height

Answer: (B)

Place the ladder feet about one-quarter of the height you plan to work at away from the wall. This 4:1 rule yields a safe angle around 75 degrees, giving good stability while you reach. For example, if you’ll work at 12 feet, set the base about 3 feet from the wall. Setting the base farther out makes the angle too shallow and can cause slipping; placing it too close makes the ladder too steep and easier to tip backward. This balance is the practical safety guideline for ladder setup.

Place the ladder feet about one-quarter of the height you plan to work at away from the wall. This 4:1 rule yields a safe angle around 75 degrees, giving good stability while you reach. For example, if you’ll work at 12 feet, set the base about 3 feet from the wall. Setting the base farther out makes the angle too shallow and can cause slipping; placing it too close makes the ladder too steep and easier to tip backward. This balance is the practical safety guideline for ladder setup.