For a ladder with a working length of 24', how far should its base be placed from the structure it is used against in feet?

To determine how far the base of a ladder should be placed from the structure it is leaned against, one commonly uses the 4-to-1 rule for ladder safety. This guideline suggests that for every four feet of height that the ladder reaches, the base should be positioned one foot away from the wall or structure.

In the case of a ladder with a working length of 24 feet, one can calculate the appropriate distance of the base from the structure by considering the height the ladder is set to reach. Using the 4-to-1 ratio, this translates to dividing the overall length of the ladder by 4. Therefore, for a 24-foot ladder:

24 feet ÷ 4 = 6 feet

This calculation indicates that the base of the ladder should be placed 6 feet away from the structure. This distance provides a safe angle for the ladder, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of it tipping over while in use.