A portable straight ladder must extend how far above the upper landing surface it is used to access?
Explanation
Section 1675(b) sends portable ladders used in construction to section 3276, and (e)(11) requires the side rails to extend not less than 36 inches - three feet - above the upper landing surface; where that extension is not possible, the ladder must be secured at its top and a grab device provided. The point of the extension is a handhold at the moment of stepping off, which is when most ladder falls happen. Six inches (c) gives nothing to hold. Ten feet (d) is a height from a different rule entirely. And (b) is the belief the rule exists to correct: a ladder ending flush with the landing leaves the climber nothing to hold while transferring their weight.
Law Reference: 8 CCR §1675(b); §3276(e)(11)This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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