When working on a ladder, your body should not extend ___ the ladder's side rails.

When working on a ladder, your body should not extend ___ the ladder's side rails.

• A. more than 3 feet on either side of
• B. beyond
• C. more than one-fourth the ladder width outside
• D. more than 18 inches to either side of

Answer: (B)

Your body should stay between the ladder’s side rails and never extend past them. This keeps your weight centered on the ladder and maintains stability; leaning or reaching beyond the rails shifts your center of gravity toward the edge and can cause the ladder to tip or you to fall. If you need to reach something, move the ladder closer or reposition it rather than leaning out. The exact distances in the other options aren’t the rule here—the key safety point is staying inside the rails to stay balanced and secure.

Your body should stay between the ladder’s side rails and never extend past them. This keeps your weight centered on the ladder and maintains stability; leaning or reaching beyond the rails shifts your center of gravity toward the edge and can cause the ladder to tip or you to fall. If you need to reach something, move the ladder closer or reposition it rather than leaning out. The exact distances in the other options aren’t the rule here—the key safety point is staying inside the rails to stay balanced and secure.