Extension ladders up to 36 feet high should have a minimum overlap between sections when extended.

• A. 1'
• B. 2'
• C. 3'
• D. 4'

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that extension ladder sections must overlap enough so they stay securely locked together when the ladder is in use. For ladders that extend up to 36 feet, that overlap needs to be at least three feet. This amount of overlap gives enough engagement length for the locking mechanisms to engage properly and prevents the sections from sliding apart under load as you climb or lean the ladder. If the overlap were any shorter, the sections could disengage or misalign, creating a serious fall hazard. A three-foot minimum is the standard safety requirement for this ladder size.