Ladders • Regulation 29 CFR 1926.1053

Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries, permanent disability and death. Injuries related to ladders can be traced to a variety of causes. Overreaching instead of descending and moving the ladder to a different location is a common cause. Using a ladder when some other piece of equipment is called for – like a scissor lift, mobile elevated platform or scaffolding – can also result in injuries. A ladder that is in poor condition or is not designed to handle the weight of the user is a hazard. So is placing the base of the ladder on unlevel or soft ground, as well as failing to maintain a 3-point contact with it.

Enforcement from October 2022 through September 2023:

ABOUT THE STANDARD

The standard states that ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure:

• 

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  Each self-supporting portable ladder: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A of this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement.

• Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph of the standard shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.
• Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included), plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the use of ladder safety devices. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds applied in the middle of the step or rung. Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.
• Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
• The rungs of individual-rung/step ladders shall be shaped such that employees’ feet cannot slide off the end of the rungs.
• The rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
• The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
• Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use.
• A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used.
• When splicing is required to obtain a given length of side rail, the resulting side rail must be at least equivalent in strength to a one-piece side rail made of the same material.
• Except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders (such as those on utility towers, billboards, and other structures where the bottom of the fixed ladder is elevated to limit access), when two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, the ladders shall be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders.
• Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
• Wood ladders shall not be coated with any opaque covering, except for identification or warning labels which may be placed on one face only of a side rail.

Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet, fixed ladders shall be equipped with one of the following:

• Ladder safety devices, or
• Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet, or
• A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet in length. Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet.

Cages for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following:

• Horizontal bands shall be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders, or directly to the structure, building, or equipment for individual-rung ladders.
• Vertical bars shall be on the inside of the horizontal bands and shall be fastened to them.

PROTECTING WORKERS WHO USE EXTENSION LADDERS

Construction workers who use extension ladders risk permanent injury or death from falls and electrocutions. These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by following good safety practices. These include:

• Planning ahead to get the job done safely.
• Having a competent person must visually inspect all extension ladders before use for any defects such as: missing rungs, bolts, cleats, screws and loose components.
• Allowing sufficient room to step off the ladder safely.
• Keeping the area around the bottom and the top of the ladder clear of equipment, materials and tools.
• Setting up the ladder at the proper angle: When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one-quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the wall. For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top.

Resources

OSHA Fact Sheet: Reducing Ladder Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Extension Ladders: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3660.pdf WMHS