If the butt of a ladder is placed too close to the building, what is the primary consequence?

When the butt of a ladder is positioned too close to the building, the primary consequence is that the tip of the ladder will pull away from the wall. This occurs because the angle at which the ladder is placed affects its stability and how weight is distributed along its length. An improper angle, typically too steep, causes a lack of effective contact at the top, leading to a tipping point where the ladder may not be able to stay securely against the wall.

Maintaining an appropriate angle is crucial for ensuring that the ladder remains stable and effectively supports the weight of anyone climbing it. If the base is too close to the building, gravity and the weight of a firefighter higher up will create a moment that pulls the ladder tip away from the surface, thus compromising safety.