When using a 28-foot ladder, how far should it be placed horizontally from the wall for safety?

For a 28-foot ladder, the general safety recommendation is to place the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height. This guideline ensures that the ladder is at a proper angle for stability and safety when in use.

Given that the ladder is 28 feet long, we can use the formula:

1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height means:

28 feet (ladder height) divided by 4 equals 7 feet.

Placing the base of the ladder 7 feet away from the wall allows for a safe and secure angle, reducing the risk of the ladder slipping or falling. This ensures that the ladder maintains equilibrium and minimizes accidents while someone is climbing or working on it. Hence, a horizontal distance of 7 feet from the wall is the appropriate choice for safely using a 28-foot ladder.