Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the proper slant for a portable straight ladder?

1. 10 feet vertical to 2 feet horizontal

2. 15 feet vertical to 5 feet horizontal

3. 12 feet vertical to 3 feet horizontal

4. 8 feet vertical to 1 foot horizontal

The correct answer is: 12 feet vertical to 3 feet horizontal

The proper slant for a portable straight ladder is often expressed in terms of a ratio of vertical height to horizontal distance. A commonly accepted guideline is that for every four feet of vertical height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall. This means a 4:1 ratio is generally recommended for safe ladder positioning. In the context of the provided choices, selecting a ratio of 12 feet vertical to 3 feet horizontal aligns closely with this 4:1 guideline. Specifically, 12 feet of height means the base should ideally be placed 3 feet away from the wall, which corresponds to the safe use of the ladder while maintaining stability and minimizing the risk of falls. This choice promotes adherence to established safety standards for ladder use, ensuring that the ladder is positioned at an angle that is both practical and safe for users. The other options do not adhere as closely to this optimal safety ratio, which is why they would not be the proper slant for a portable straight ladder.