At what distance from a structure should the base of a portable ladder, extending to 20 feet high, be placed?

When positioning a portable ladder, a general guideline for safety is to maintain a distance from the base of the ladder that is approximately one-quarter of the ladder's extended height. This means that for a ladder extending up to 20 feet, the base should be placed about 5 feet away from the structure it is leaning against.

This positioning creates a safe angle for climbing, typically around 75 degrees, which helps to ensure stability and reduce the risk of the ladder slipping or tipping over. Proper placement is essential for preventing accidents while using the ladder. Thus, a distance of 5 feet from the structure is the recommended practice in this scenario.