Final answer:
The minimum horizontal distance from the edge of the work surface to the outer edge of the safety net, based on a vertical distance of 5 feet, should be 40 feet following the newer guideline of eight diameters side-to-side. Since this is not an option, and with the provided options, the closest standard safety norm would be 20 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to safety measures in construction, specifically to the installation of a safety net in relation to the working level. The query asks for the minimum horizontal distance from the edge of the work surface to the outer edge of the safety net, given that the vertical distance from the working level to the horizontal plane of the safety net is 5 feet.
The general guideline that's been provided suggests using a scale of eight diameters side-to-side and fifteen diameters deep. In this context, a diameter would be the vertical distance from the work level to the safety net. So if the vertical distance is 5 feet, the minimum horizontal distance, according to the new work, should be eight times that, which is 40 feet. However, since Options 1 through 4 do not include 40 feet, and the question might be referring to a standardized safety norm, the minimum horizontal distance most closely aligned with safety standards would be Option 4: 20 feet, unless further context suggests otherwise.
It's important to follow these guidelines to ensure that objects dropped from a height do not pose a risk to people or vehicles, and that safety precautions are rigorously adhered to.