CSLB C-33 Painting & DecoratingSafetyEasy
A painting crew is working on a large exterior wall using an extension ladder. The top of the ladder is resting against a smooth, painted surface. To ensure maximum stability and prevent slipping, what is the ideal angle at which the base of the ladder should be placed from the wall?
- A80 degrees
- B70 degrees
- C75 degrees
- D60 degrees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 75 degrees
The generally accepted safe angle for extension ladders is 75 degrees from the horizontal. This is often referred to as the '4-to-1 rule,' meaning the base of the ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of vertical height to the top support point.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 80 degrees is too steep; this makes the ladder prone to tipping backward away from the wall.
- B. 70 degrees is still a bit too flat and less stable than the ideal angle.
- D. 60 degrees is too flat; this increases the risk of the ladder sliding out at the base.
Ladder Angle (4-to-1 Rule)
A safety guideline stating that for every 4 feet of vertical height an extension ladder reaches, its base should be 1 foot away from the wall, resulting in an approximate 75-degree angle.
- Ensures optimal stability and prevents slipping.
- Applies to extension and straight ladders.
- Deviating from this angle increases fall risk.
Memory trick: Four up, one out, keeps the fall fear out.