According to the STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION, a ladder installed in a 4-foot-deep trench should project how many inches above the top of the trench?

According to the STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION, a ladder installed in a 4-foot-deep trench should project how many inches above the top of the trench?

• A. 12 in
• B. 18 in
• C. 24 in
• D. 30 in

Answer: (C)

Safe egress from a trench is a key safety requirement, so the ladder must extend above the trench to provide a solid handhold and a clear path to step onto the surface. In these standard specifications, a ladder in a 4-foot-deep trench should project 24 inches above the top of the trench. This two-foot extension gives enough height for a worker to grip the ladder securely and step onto the ground without losing balance. Ladders extending only 12 or 18 inches often don’t provide enough reach for a safe exit, while 30 inches would exceed what the standard requires for this depth. The 24-inch projection hits the intended safety balance for a 4-foot trench.

Safe egress from a trench is a key safety requirement, so the ladder must extend above the trench to provide a solid handhold and a clear path to step onto the surface. In these standard specifications, a ladder in a 4-foot-deep trench should project 24 inches above the top of the trench. This two-foot extension gives enough height for a worker to grip the ladder securely and step onto the ground without losing balance. Ladders extending only 12 or 18 inches often don’t provide enough reach for a safe exit, while 30 inches would exceed what the standard requires for this depth. The 24-inch projection hits the intended safety balance for a 4-foot trench.