Question

Ladders used to gain access to a roof or other area must extend at least _____above the point of support.

1) 1 foot
2) 2 feet
3) 3 feet
4) 4 feet

Answer 1

Ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the support point for safety. The statics problem involves calculating reaction and friction forces on an aluminum ladder propped against a house.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the necessary extension of a ladder above its support point for safe access to a roof or another area. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support, to provide a safe space for the individual to step off onto the landing surface.

In regards to the problem provided, it involves the application of statics principles to calculate the reaction and friction forces at the base of a ladder. The scenario describes a person placing an aluminum ladder against a frictionless rain gutter, requiring the use of physics to solve for forces involved.