According to ladder placement guidelines, how far should the base be from the wall for every four rungs?

• A. One foot
• B. Two feet
• C. Three feet
• D. Four feet

Answer: (A)

Ladder angle safety is what's being tested here. The standard guideline is the 4:1 rule: for every four feet of ladder height, place the base about one foot from the wall. This keeps the ladder at a safe angle—roughly 75 degrees—so it’s stable and less prone to slipping or tipping.

When four rungs of a ladder correspond to the working height, about one foot of base distance is the right amount to maintain that safe angle. If you push the base closer to the wall, the ladder gets steeper and less stable; if you push it farther out, it becomes too shallow and can tip backward or slide. Always ensure the ladder is on a firm, level surface, fully opened and secured, and that you maintain three points of contact as you climb.