How far should a portable ladder extend past the upper landing when in use?

• A. Three feet
• B. Two feet
• C. Four feet
• D. Five feet

Answer: (A)

Ladders should extend at least three feet past the upper landing. This extra length provides a solid handhold and a stable place to step onto the landing, making the transition from climbing to standing safer and helping you maintain three points of contact. Extending less than three feet makes it harder to grip the top and step off securely, increasing the risk of a fall. Extending more than three feet isn’t typically required for most tasks, so the minimum of three feet is the standard to aim for; if a ladder can’t reach that far, use a longer ladder or a different access method.