What is the recommended distance of the bottom of the ladder from the wall, according to the 4:1 rule?

The 4:1 rule is a guideline for placing a ladder safely against a wall or another vertical surface. According to this rule, for every four feet of vertical height that the ladder reaches, the base of the ladder should be positioned one foot away from the wall. This creates a safe angle for the ladder, typically around 75 degrees, which helps ensure stability and reduces the risk of the ladder slipping or tipping over.

In this context, if the ladder is reaching a height of, say, 12 feet, following the 4:1 rule means the bottom of the ladder should be placed 3 feet away from the wall. Therefore, the correct answer embodies a fundamental principle of ladder safety that encourages adherence to proper angles and distances to prevent accidents when using ladders.

Understanding and observing this rule is crucial for anyone involved in tasks that require ladder use, as it significantly enhances safety by ensuring that the ladder is set up in a way that optimizes balance and stability.