Final answer:
A person needs a ladder or stairs when the elevation break is greater than their maximum step height.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine at what elevation break you need a ladder or stairs, we need to consider the height that a person can safely climb without assistance. The average person has a maximum step height of approximately 0.3 meters (1 foot). So, if the elevation break is less than 0.3 meters, a person can easily step up without a ladder or stairs. Therefore, Option 1: 3 feet would be the correct answer.