What is the correct angle ratio for leaning a ladder against a wall?

The correct angle for a leaning ladder is a 1:4 ratio — for every 4 units of height, the base should be 1 unit out from the wall. This gives an angle of approximately 75 degrees, providing optimal stability and minimising the risk of the ladder slipping.

1:2 ratio (1 out for every 2 up)

1:4 ratio (1 out for every 4 up)

1:3 ratio (1 out for every 3 up)

1:5 ratio (1 out for every 5 up)

What does the '3-point contact' rule mean when using a ladder?

The 3-point contact rule means the climber must always have at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder. This ensures stability and reduces the chance of losing balance and falling.

The ladder must be supported at three separate points along its length before use

Three separate checks — footing, angle and tie — must be signed off before climbing

The user must maintain two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times

The ladder must be secured at the top, at the mid-point and at the base before anyone climbs it

According to HSE guidance, ladders should generally only be used for work at height tasks lasting no more than how long?

HSE guidance states that ladders should only be used for short-duration tasks, typically no more than 30 minutes. If the task will take longer, a more suitable and safer means of access such as a scaffold or MEWP should be used.

Free mock exam

Access Equipment & Selection — Working at Height Practice

Free topic-focused mock exam: 30 random questions from a pool of 40 on Access Equipment & Selection, drawn from the wider Working at Height bank. 35-minute timer, 70% to pass, worked explanation on every question. Use this when you've taken the full mock once and want to drill the topics you got wrong.

Questions: 30
Time limit: 35 min
Pass mark: 70% · 21/30
Question bank: 40

Free, no sign-up. Retake as many times as you like — different questions each time.

Sample questions

01What is the correct angle ratio for leaning a ladder against a wall?
- A1:2 ratio (1 out for every 2 up)
- B1:3 ratio (1 out for every 3 up)
- C1:4 ratio (1 out for every 4 up)
- D1:5 ratio (1 out for every 5 up)
Why: The correct angle for a leaning ladder is a 1:4 ratio — for every 4 units of height, the base should be 1 unit out from the wall. This gives an angle of approximately 75 degrees, providing optimal stability and minimising the risk of the ladder slipping.
02What does the '3-point contact' rule mean when using a ladder?
- AThe ladder must be supported at three separate points along its length before use
- BThe ladder must be secured at the top, at the mid-point and at the base before anyone climbs it
- CThree separate checks — footing, angle and tie — must be signed off before climbing
- DThe user must maintain two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times
Why: The 3-point contact rule means the climber must always have at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder. This ensures stability and reduces the chance of losing balance and falling.
03According to HSE guidance, ladders should generally only be used for work at height tasks lasting no more than how long?
- A1 hour
- B2 hours
- C10 minutes
- D30 minutes
Why: HSE guidance states that ladders should only be used for short-duration tasks, typically no more than 30 minutes. If the task will take longer, a more suitable and safer means of access such as a scaffold or MEWP should be used.

Common questions

Is the Access Equipment & Selection mock exam free?

Yes — 100% free, no sign-up needed. Questions are pulled at random from a substantial bank, with a worked explanation on every question after you submit.

Can I retake the mock exam?

Yes. Every attempt picks a different random selection and reshuffles the options, so each retake gives you genuinely new questions. No limit on retakes.

Does this count towards the real qualification?

No — this is independent practice material. To gain the actual qualification you need to sit the official assessment through an approved provider.