What is the recommended ladder angle for safe climbing?

The recommended ladder angle for safe climbing is 75 degrees or 1 meter out for every 4 meters up. This angle provides a balance between stability and accessibility. At this angle, the ladder is secure enough to minimize the risk of slipping or tipping over while allowing the user to comfortably reach higher areas.

When positioned correctly, this angle ensures that the weight of the person on the ladder is distributed properly across the rungs and the base. It also allows the climber to maintain a safe posture, keeping the body within the confines of the ladder, which helps prevent accidents that may occur from overreaching.

Moreover, following the ratio of 1 meter out for every 4 meters up helps ensure that the bottom of the ladder is far enough away from the base of the surface it is leaning against to provide adequate support. If the angle were too steep, the risk of falling backward or having the ladder slide forward increases significantly, making this guideline critical for safety in carpentry and other trades involving ladder use.