How far should the ladder foot be from the wall?
Enter the ladder's working length to get the horizontal distance 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5) sets, with the exact words of the rule.
Fact-checked against official sources (eCFR text as of Nov 3, 2026) · Last checked
Foot of the ladder from the wall Our calculation
—
The rule sets the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot at approximately one-quarter of the working length Official data.
“Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support).”
Also in the rule
“When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access;”
“Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.”
A study aid, not legal or safety advice: on a job site, the employer and its competent person decide. goraedu is not an OSHA Outreach Training Program provider and does not issue OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards. Our practice questions do not count toward training hours. Not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor. Spot an error? Tell us.