SafetyQuestion 656 of 700
CALCULATION: A portable straight ladder rests against a wall where the top touches the wall 16 feet above the base. To meet the 4:1 pitch rule, about how far out from the wall should the ladder's feet be placed?
a.1 foot
b.2 feet
c.3 feet
d.4 feet
Explanation
Correct: the 4:1 rule sets horizontal distance = working height / 4 = 16 / 4 = 4 ft. This produces the roughly 75.5-degree angle for safe use. 1, 2, or 3 feet would make the ladder too steep (approaching vertical), increasing the risk of tipping backward as a worker climbs.
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