The method
Before using the result
- Straight geometry between base and upper contact point. Extension above contact, footing, loading, restraint and fall protection are not assessed.
Worked examples
These original training examples illustrate the method for Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST). Use the matching “Load example” button above to explore a variation; example values are not equipment settings or prescribed criteria.
1. Worked example
Calculate the angle and contact-to-base length of a straight ladder from measured geometry. Do not infer safe setup from one dimension or ratio alone.
- Vertical contact height
- 4 m
- Horizontal base offset
- 1 m
- Length = √(4² + 1²) m.
- Angle = atan(4/1); ratio = 4.
- Angle above horizontal: 1.325818 rad
- Contact-to-base length: 4.123106 m
- Height / base-offset ratio: 4
2. Comparison example
Compare a different supplied condition using the same method. For Safety Conquer, the important check is that the input meaning, units and method assumptions still match the problem.
- Vertical contact height
- 5 m
- Horizontal base offset
- 1 m
- Length = √(5² + 1²) m.
- Angle = atan(5/1); ratio = 5.
- Angle above horizontal: 1.373401 rad
- Contact-to-base length: 5.09902 m
- Height / base-offset ratio: 5
Check your understanding
1. Which relationship is used?
Contact-to-base length = hypot(height,offset); angle = atan(height/offset); height/offset ratio is geometric.
2. Which assumption should you check first?
Straight geometry between base and upper contact point. Extension above contact, footing, loading, restraint and fall protection are not assessed.
3. How should you verify a different unit system?
Convert every input to the displayed calculation units first. Equivalent physical inputs must give equivalent results; a unit label alone does not convert a number.
Continue with the matching exam topic
This tool connects to Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) free practice. Work through a question independently, then use the calculation steps to identify where your method differs. The tool stays free whether or not you choose paid preparation.