A raised ladder should be positioned at how many degrees to provide stability?

Positioning a raised ladder at approximately 75 degrees is optimal for stability and safety. This angle allows for a good balance between the ladder's reach and its base of support, which is crucial for maintaining stability when firefighters are ascending or descending the ladder. At this angle, the ladder's placement ensures that it does not slip out from under the user while also providing sufficient height to effectively reach the target area.

A 75-degree angle means the base of the ladder is about one-quarter of the ladder's working length away from the structure it is leaning against. This ratio helps to distribute the weight and promotes stability, significantly reducing the risk of the ladder tipping or failing during use.

In contrast, angles that are too steep or too shallow can compromise safety. For instance, a 90-degree position would mean the ladder is straight up and down, which does not provide any stable base, making it extremely dangerous. An angle closer to 60 degrees might be too low, increasing the likelihood of slipping and requiring excessive effort to maintain balance. Lastly, a 45-degree angle is also too shallow for most uses, which doesn't allow for adequate stability and can cause the ladder to become unstable during operation. Thus, setting the ladder at a 75-degree angle is