What is the minimum lateral distance a ladder must be from a person in an excavation?

The minimum lateral distance a ladder must be from a person in an excavation is based on safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure stability while providing access to and from the excavation site. A distance of 25 feet is designated to minimize the risk of the ladder being compromised by falling earth or debris and to provide adequate space for the individual to safely access the ladder without coming too close to the edge of the excavation.

This distance takes into account the need for a secure working environment and the potential hazards associated with excavations. It is crucial for safety regulations to specify such distances to protect workers and ensure that they can perform their tasks without undue risk. In situations where the ladder may need to be moved or adjusted frequently, a greater distance helps ensure that workers are not put in danger during operations.

As for the other distances listed, they either fall short or do not provide the necessary safety margin required for proper ladder placement near excavations.