If a ladder is 16 feet tall, what is the correct base distance from the structure?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 4 feet
• C. 6 feet
• D. 8 feet

Answer: (B)

Placing the ladder at a safe angle is the key. Use the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of ladder length, put the base about 1 foot from the wall. So a 16-foot ladder should have its base roughly 4 feet away from the structure. That setup gives a solid, stable angle (around 75 degrees) and optimal reach. If the base were only 2 feet out, the ladder would sit too steep and be less stable; if it were 6 or 8 feet out, the angle would be too shallow, increasing the risk of slipping and reducing control.