How close to hoist-ways or floor openings can materials be placed inside a building?

The correct answer is that materials can be placed within 6 feet of hoist-ways or floor openings inside a building. This requirement is primarily driven by safety considerations to prevent accidents during construction. When materials are stored too close to these areas, the risk of materials falling into the opening or obstructing personnel trying to access them increases significantly.

By maintaining a distance of 6 feet, it allows for proper access and transit around these potentially hazardous areas, thereby minimizing the likelihood of falls or other injuries related to unintentional contact with the hoist-ways or openings. This measure is a standard safety protocol emphasized in workplace safety regulations, ensuring that both workers and materials are safeguarded against mishaps in busy construction environments.

The other distance options do not meet this specific safety measure outlined in building code regulations, as they either do not provide adequate clearance or do not align with standard practices advocated for safety around work zones.