Question

The 4:1 angle rule for extension ladders means which of the following?

a) The ladder should lean 45 degrees from the vertical.
b) The ladder should extend 4 feet beyond the support point for every 1 foot of height.
c) The ladder should have a 4-inch overlap at each section.
d) The ladder should be used by only one person at a time.

Answer 1

The 4:1 angle rule for extension ladders means that the ladder should lean at a safe angle, approximately 75 degrees from the vertical, not 45 degrees, ensuring stability and safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 4:1 angle rule for extension ladders refers to the correct positioning of a ladder for safety. It dictates that for every 4 feet of ladder height from the ground to the support point, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall or surface the ladder is leaning against. This ensures a safe and stable angle for the ladder.

Therefore, the correct option is not that the ladder should lean 45 degrees from the vertical, nor that it should extend 4 feet beyond the support point for every 1 foot of height, or that it should have a 4-inch overlap at each section. The rule also does not pertain to the number of people using the ladder at one time. So, the answer is (a); the ladder should lean at a safe angle which is approximately 75 degrees, not 45 degrees from the vertical according to the referenced angle in the materials provided.