How far out must the "butt" or "feet" be when laddering a height of 32'?

When laddering a height of 32 feet, the proper distance that the "butt" or "feet" of the ladder should be placed away from the building is commonly calculated using the 4-to-1 rule. This rule recommends that for every four feet of vertical height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall.

In this case, to safely ladder a height of 32 feet, you would divide that height by 4, which results in a distance of 8 feet. This distance ensures that the ladder is at the correct angle for stability and safety, reducing the risk of slipping or tipping while providing access to the elevated area.

It's important to follow this guideline for safe ladder positioning. An incorrect angle can lead to accidents during firefighting or rescue operations, which is why understanding the appropriate distance is crucial for effective and safe ladder usage.