What is the 4:1 ladder angle rule often cited as?

• A. 4:1 with the ladder at 75 degrees
• B. 3:1 with the ladder at 71 degrees
• C. 4:1 ex. 16' ladder 4' from wall
• D. 2:1 with the ladder at 60 degrees

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is safe ladder setup through a simple ratio. The 4:1 rule means for every 4 feet of vertical reach, the base of the ladder should be set 1 foot away from the wall. This ratio keeps the ladder at a stable angle, roughly around 75 degrees to the ground. For example, a 16-foot ladder with its base 4 feet from the wall follows the 4:1 rule and results in about a 75-degree angle, giving a stable, safe position. The ratio is the key point because it ties the ladder length, how high you can reach, and how far you move the base from the wall into a single guideline.