The base of a ladder should be placed so the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is at least what fraction of the working length of the ladder?

The correct approach for placing the base of a ladder is informed by safety guidelines regarding the angle at which a ladder should be positioned. The general rule is that the horizontal distance from the top support to the base of the ladder should be at least one-fourth of the working length of the ladder.

This means for every four feet of vertical height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall or the structure it leans against. This ratio helps to ensure that the ladder is at a safe angle (typically around 75 degrees) to prevent slipping and to stabilize the ladder. A base positioned at this fraction allows for better weight distribution and minimizes the risk of tipping over while maintaining an effective working setup.

Therefore, establishing that the correct fraction is one-fourth supports safe ladder use and aligns with recommended safety practices.