A technician is using an extension ladder to work on a rooftop unit. How far should the top of the ladder extend beyond the support point?

The correct distance for a ladder to extend beyond the support point is 3 feet. This guideline is crucial for ensuring safety when working at heights. When the ladder extends beyond the support point, it provides additional stability and reduces the risk of the ladder slipping or the worker losing balance while accessing the roof. An extension of 3 feet is generally recommended because it allows the user to safely grab the roof edge without overreaching, while also ensuring the ladder is secured properly.

While other distances like 1 foot, 2 feet, or 4 feet might seem like they could offer some level of safety, they do not meet the established best practices for ladder safety according to various occupational safety and health regulations. Extending too little (1 or 2 feet) may not provide adequate support for the technician's movements, while extending too far (4 feet) may also compromise stability and increase the likelihood of a fall. Therefore, extending the ladder 3 feet beyond the support point strikes the right balance between accessibility and safety.