In a trench where a ladder is required, the maximum distance to reach the ladder is 25 feet. Which option correctly represents this distance?

• A. 25 feet
• B. Three steps
• C. 10 feet
• D. 15 feet

Answer: (A)

The safety rule is that a ladder must be accessible within 25 feet in any trench where a ladder is required. This maximum distance ensures workers can exit quickly in an emergency or if conditions change. The distance is measured along the trench from the worker to the ladder, not by a number of steps. So the correct representation of this distance is 25 feet. Other options don’t reflect the maximum allowed distance (three steps isn’t a distance, and 10 or 15 feet are shorter than the maximum). Remember, in addition to this, ladders should extend at least 3 feet above the trench edge for safe mounting and dismounting.