1 Metal ladders should not be used near
- stairways
- scaffolding
- electrical equipment
- windows
2 If you lean a straight ladder against the top of a 16-foot wall, the base of the ladder should be feet from the base of the wall.
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The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answers
- Metal ladders should not be used near: Electrical equipment
- If you lean a straight ladder against the top of a 16-foot wall, the base of the ladder should be: 4 feet from the base of the wall
Explanation
1. Why Should Metal Ladders Not Be Used Near Electrical Equipment?
Metal ladders are excellent conductors of electricity due to their metallic composition. If a metal ladder comes into contact with live electrical wires or equipment, it can create an electric circuit, posing a severe electrocution hazard. Electrical currents can travel through the ladder, potentially causing serious injury or death to the person using it.
For safety, fiberglass or wooden ladders are recommended when working near electrical equipment since these materials are non-conductive and reduce the risk of electric shock. This is particularly crucial for electricians, construction workers, and anyone performing maintenance near power lines or electrical circuits.
2. Proper Ladder Angle for Safety
When using a straight or extension ladder, it is important to place the base at a safe distance from the wall. The correct formula for positioning a ladder is the 4-to-1 rule, meaning for every 4 feet of height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall.
Given a 16-foot wall, the base of the ladder should be: 16÷4=4 feet16 \div 4 = 4 \text{ feet}
This ensures the ladder is stable and reduces the risk of falling due to improper angling. A ladder placed too steeply may tip backward, while one placed too far may slip out at the base. Always secure the ladder properly and maintain three points of contact while climbing for additional safety.
Now, I’ll generate an image illustrating these ladder safety principles.
Here is the safety illustration showing the correct ladder setup and the importance of avoiding metal ladders near electrical equipment. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional details!
