requirements for fixed ladder less than 24 feet

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# 1910.23 LADDERS (a) Application. The employer must ensure that each ladder used meets the requirements of this section. This section covers all ladders, except when the ladder is: (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. (b) General requirements for all ladders. The employer must ensure: (1) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use; (2) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that: (i) Ladder rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be spaced not less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart and not more than 16.5 inches (42 cm) apart, as measured along the ladder side rails; and (ii) Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps; (3) Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches apart, as measured between the centerlines of the steps; (4) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats have a minimum clear width of 11.5 inches (29 cm) on portable ladders and 16 inches 1 cm) (measured before installation of ladder safety systems) for fixed ladders, except that: (i) The minimum clear width does not apply to ladders with narrow rungs that are not designed to be stepped on, such as those located on the tapered end of orchard ladders and similar ladders; (ii) Rungs and steps of manhole entry ladders that are supported by the manhole opening must have a minimum clear width of 9 inches (23 cm); (iii) Rungs and steps on rolling ladders used in telecommunication centers must have a minimum clear width of 8 inches cm); and (iv) Stepstools have …

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CPWR TOOLBOX TALK Fixed Ladders THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING Fixed ladders are ladders with rails or individual rungs that are permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment. Do not assume a ladder that is permanently attached to a structure means it is safe and in good condition. Fixed ladders must be secured properly, inspected regularly, and used appropriately. ## Julia's Story During a renovation, Julia was climbing a fixed ladder that was attached to a four-story office building. She did not have time to inspect the ladder before beginning her climb. The ladder was secured with only a couple inches of clearance from the building, and there was not enough space on the rungs for Julia to properly place her feet. As she climbed the fixed ladder, she lost her balance and fell. ► How could this fall have been prevented? ► If you notice a potential safety issue with a fixed ladder, who should you inform? ▸ Have you known anyone who fell from a fixed ladder? ## Remember This Tell your supervisor, foreman, or competent person if a fixed ladder does not meet any of these requirements: - There shall be at least 16 inches of space between the ladder and the side rail of any other step, extension, or fixed ladder. - There shall be 7 inches of horizontal clearance space between the fixed ladder's rungs and any obstruction behind it - If there is more than 12 inches of horizontal clearance, a landing platform is required at the top of the ladder. - All rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders shall be coated with skid-resistant material. - Every step or rung shall be able to support at least 250 pounds. - It shall not be used at an angle greater than 90 degrees. - If the climb is less than 24 feet but the top of the ladder extends 24 feet above a lower level, it shall have a cage, well, ladder safety device, or self- retracting lifeline. - If the climb is equal to or more than 24 feet, it shall have at least one of th…

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(6) Ladder Wells. Ladder wells shall have a clear width of at least [redacted street address] from the center line of the ladder. (See Fig.1.) Smooth-walled wells shall be a minimum of 27 inches and a maximum of 30 inches from the center line of rungs to the well wall on the climbing side of the ladder. Where other obstructions on the climbing side of the ladder exist, there shall be a minimum of 30 inches from the center line of the rungs. (h) Pitch. (1) Preferred Pitch. The preferred pitch of fixed ladders shall be considered to come in the range of 75 to 90 degrees with the horizontal. (See Fig. 12.) (2) Substandard Pitch. Fixed ladders shall be considered as substandard if they are installed within the substandard pitch range of 60 to 75 degrees with the horizontal. Substandard fixed ladders shall be permitted only where it is found necessary to meet conditions of installation. (See Fig. 12.) This substandard pitch range shall be considered as a critical range to be avoided, if possible. (3) Scope of Coverage in This Code. This code covers only fixed ladders within the pitch range of 60 to 90 degrees with the horizontal. (See Fig. 12.) (4) Pitch Greater Than 90 Degrees. Ladders having a pitch in excess of 90 degrees with the horizontal shall not be permitted. - Exception: Manholes and Underground Vaults. Individual rung ladders installed in the walls of conical top sections of manholes and underground vaults shall be allowed to exceed a pitch of 90 degrees for a distance of not more than 2 rungs or steps in the conical top sections. The deviation from 90 degrees shall not exceed 6 inches. (See Figure 13.) (i) Maintenance. All ladders shall be maintained in a safe condition. All ladders shall be inspected regularly, with the intervals between inspections being determined by use and exposure. (j) Landing Platforms. (1) When ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet, landing platforms shall be provided as follows: (A) Where no cage,…

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# South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Division of Labor Office of Occupational Safety and Health Columbia, South Carolina [redacted postal code] OSH Program Directive Number 80-1910.27-1 (Revised) Subject: Fixed Ladders-Requirements for Cages, Wells, or Ladder Safety Devices Under Article VI, Section 1910.27 (d). Standard: Article VI, Section 1910.27 (d), Rules and Regulations, Commission of Labor, State of South Carolina. Cross Reference to Federal Standards: 29 CFR 1910.27 (d). Background: There has been confusion as to what the State's interpretation of this particular subsection of the standard is, especially to the requirements for landing platforms. This directive replaces Program Directive number 74-1910.27-1 (formerly 74-7-3 (AMENDED)). Interpretation: Landing platforms are required for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except on chimneys. If landing platforms, which are constructed in accordance with standards, are provided for each 20 feet of height or fractions thereof, then no cages, wells, or ladder safety devices are required. For heights of between 20 feet and 30 feet without landing platforms; cages, wells, or ladder safety devices are required on all fixed ladders. Ladder safety devices may be used in lieu of cages, wells or landing platforms where these devices are required regardless of the length of the ladders. Effective Date: This instruction is effective upon receipt and will remain in effect until cancelled or superseded by amendment to the Rules and Regulations. William M. Lybrand August 1, 1980

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# Fixed ladders. The employer must ensure: - 1910.23(d)(1) - Fixed ladders are capable of supporting their maximum intended load; - 1910.23(d)(2) The minimum perpendicular distance from the centerline of the steps or rungs, or grab bars, or both, to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder is 7 inches (18 cm), except for elevator pit ladders, which have a minimum perpendicular distance of 4.5 inches (11 cm); - 1910.23(d)(3) Grab bars do not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder that they serve; - 1910.23(d)(4) The side rails of through or side-step ladders extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For parapet ladders, the access level is: ## 1910.23(d)(4).(i). The roof, if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; or ## 1910.23(d)(4)(ii). The top of the parapet, if the parapet is continuous; - 1910.23(d)(5) For through ladders, the steps or rungs are omitted from the extensions, and the side rails are flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61cm) and not more than 30 inches (76 cm) of clearance. When a ladder safety system is provided, the maximum clearance between side rails of the extension must not exceed 36 inches (91 cm); - 1910.23(d)(6) For side-step ladders, the side rails, rungs, and steps must be continuous in the extension (see Figure D-2 of this section); - 1910.23(d)(7) - Grab bars extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder; Submit Feedback

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.1053(a)(18) Fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above lower levels. 1926.1053(a)(19) Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), fixed ladders shall be equipped with one of the following: ## 1926.1053(a)(19)(i). Ladder safety devices; or 1926.1053(a)(19).(ii) Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m); or ## 1926.1053(a)(19).(ii). A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m) in length. Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m). 1926.1053(a)(20) Cages for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following: 1926.1053(a)(20)(i) Horizontal bands shall be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders, or directly to the structure, building, or equipment for individual-rung ladders; 1926.1053(a)(20)(ii) Vertical bars shall be on the inside of the horizontal bands and shall be fastened to them; 1926.1053(a)(20)(iii) Cages shall extend not less than 27 inches (68 cm), or more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung (excluding the flare at the bottom of the cage), and shall not be less than 27 inches (68 cm) in width; 1926.1053(a)(20)(iv) The inside of the cage shall be clear of projections; 1926.1053(a)(20)(v) Submit Feedback

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- WAC 296-874-[redacted postal code] Meet these requirements when using ladder jack scaffolds. (1) You must make sure the platform height is not higher than twenty feet (6.1 m). (2) You must make sure ladder jacks are designed and constructed so they rest: (a) On the side rails and ladder rungs together; or (b) Only on the rungs. (3) You must make sure ladder jacks that rest on rungs only have a bearing area that includes a length of at least ten inches (25.4 cm) on each rung. (4) You must make sure ladders used to support ladder jacks are: (a) Type I (two hundred fifty pound rated capacity) or Type IA (300 pound rated capacity); and (b) Are placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent slipping. - Note: Ladders with a duty rating or weight capacity greater than a Type I ladder (250 pounds) satisfy the requirement to use a Type I or Type IA ladder. (5) You must make sure job-made ladders are not used to support ladder jack scaffolds. (6) You must make sure scaffold platforms are not bridged togeth- er. Reference: 1. There are specific fall protection requirements for employees using ladder jack scaffolds. Go to WAC 296-874-[redacted postal code]. 2. Requirements for portable and fixed ladders are found in chapter 296-876 WAC, Ladders, portable and fixed. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-874-[redacted postal code], filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. Statu- tory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 06-16-020, § 296-874-[redacted postal code], filed 7/24/06, effective 12/1/06; WSR 05-01-054, § 296-874-[redacted postal code], filed 12/7/04, effective 3/1/05.] Certified on 2/20/2023 WAC 296-874-[redacted postal code] Page 1

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3. Ladders in underground mines as covered by the Mine Safety Orders. (2) Where an employee has to step a distance greater than 12 inches from the center line of the rung of a ladder to the nearest edge of structure or equipment, a landing platform shall be provided. The minimum step-across distance shall be 2 1/2 inches (Figure 7). (3) All landing platforms shall be equipped with guardrails and toeboards, so arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. Platforms shall be not less than 24 inches in width and 30 inches in length. (4) One rung of any section of ladder shall be located at the level of the landing laterally served by the ladder. Where access to the landing is through the ladder, the same rung spacing as used on the ladder shall be used from the landing platform to the first rung below the landing (Figure 10). (k) Ladder Extensions. The side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 1/2 feet above parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, the rungs shall be omitted from the extension and shall have not less than 18 nor more than 24 inches clearance between rails (Figure 2). For side-step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs shall be carried to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3 1/2 feet minimum (Figure 3). (1) Grab Bars. Grab bars shall be spaced by a continuation of the rung spacing when they are located in the horizontal position. Vertical grab bars shall have the same spacing as the ladder side rails. Grab bar diameters shall be the equivalent of the round-rung diameters. (m) Ladder Safety Systems. Ladder safety systems may be used on tower, water tank, and chimney ladders over 20 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection. No landing platform shall be required in these cases. All ladder safety systems shall meet the design requirements of the ladders which they serve [See subsection (c)]. ✓ 7" MIN. FROM TREAD 15" MIN. 15" MIN. 2'-3" 2'-6" -SMOOTH WALL …

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# Fixed Ladders Checklist This checklist does not address fixed ladders with cages, baskets, wells, hatch covers, landing platforms, or ladders exceeding 20 feet in height (see 29 CFR 1910.27). It also does not address fixed ladders associated with construction sites (see 29 CFR 1926.1051 and 1926.1053). Consult the OSHA regulations for requirements in these situations. <table><tr><th>General Inspection</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>OSHA Reg.</th></tr><tr><td>1. Is the distance between rungs 12 inches or less and uniform throughout the length of the ladder?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(ii)</td></tr><tr><td>2. Is the minimum clear length of rungs or cleats at least 16 inches?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)</td></tr><tr><td>3. Are the rungs, cleats, and steps free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or other projections that are hazards?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(iv)</td></tr><tr><td>4. Are the rungs of ladders designed so that the foot cannot slip off the end?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(v)</td></tr><tr><td>5. Are the rungs of metal ladders at least three-fourths (34) of one (1) inch in diameter? (Note: If the ladder is embedded in concrete and serves as an access to pits or other atmospheres that cause corrosion and rusting, the rungs must be at least one inch in diameter or be painted or treated to resist corrosion and rusting.)</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)</td></tr><tr><td>6. Are the rungs of wood ladders at least one and one- eighth (1%) inches in diameter?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)</td></tr><tr><td>7. Do side rails that might be used as a climbing aid provide adequate gripping surface without sharp edges, splinters, or burrs?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(2)</td></tr><tr><td>8. Are metal ladders painted or treated to protect them from corrosion and rusting when location demands?</td><td></td><td></td><td>29 CFR 1910.27(b)(7)(…

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# 1910.23 LADDERS (cont.) (8) The minimum size (cross-section) of grab bars is the same size as the rungs of the ladder. (9) When a fixed ladder terminates at a hatch (see Figure D-3 of this section), the hatch cover: (i) Opens with sufficient clearance to provide easy access to or from the ladder; and (ii) Opens at least 70 degrees from horizontal if the hatch is counterbalanced; (10) Individual-rung ladders are constructed to prevent the employee's feet from sliding off the ends of the rungs (see Figure D-4 of this section); (11) Fixed ladders having a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal are not used; (12) The step-across distance from the centerline of the rungs or steps is: (i) For through ladders, not less than 7 inches (18 cm) and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) to the nearest edge of the structure, building, or equipment accessed from the ladders; (ii) For side-step ladders, not less than 15 inches (38 cm) and not more than 20 inches (51 cm) to the access points of the platform edge; (13) Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells have: (i) A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and (ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed (see Figure D-5 of this section). Note to paragraph (d): Section 1910.28 establishes the employer's duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders, and § 1910.29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders. Figure D-2 -- Side-Step Fixed Ladder Sections 10-14 inch (25-36 cm) on center, uniformly spaced 16 inch (41 cm) minimum clearance between side rails 15 inch (38 cm) minimum clearance to any permanent obstruction for ladder…

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# [redacted phone] Additional Oregon General Requirements (cont.) ## 1910.23 Ladders (cont.) Ladders D Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 2 16 IN (41 CM) 10-14 IN (25-36 CM) MIN CLEARANCE ON CENTER UNIFORMLY SPACED 7 IN (18 CM) MIN CLEAERANCE GENERAL VIEW RUNG CROSS-SECTION Figure D-4 - Individual Rung Ladder (11) Fixed ladders having a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal are not used; (12) The step-across distance from the centerline of the rungs or steps is: (i) For through ladders, not less than 7 inches (18 cm) and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) to the nearest edge of the structure, building, or equipment accessed from the ladders; (ii) For side-step ladders, not less than 15 inches (38 cm) and not more than 20 inches (51 cm) to the access points of the platform edge; (13) Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells have: (i) A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and (ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed (see Figure D-5 of this section). 1910.23 (d)(11) D 17 1910.23 (d)(13)(ii)

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(e) Protection from Deterioration. (1) Metal. Metal ladders and appurtenances shall be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting when location demands. Ladders formed by individual metal rungs imbedded in concrete, which serve as access to pits and to other areas under floors, are frequently located in an atmosphere that causes corrosion and rusting. To increase rung life in such atmosphere, individual metal rungs shall have a minimum diameter of 1 inch or shall be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting. (2) Wood. Wood ladders, when used under conditions where decay may occur, shall be treated with a nonirritating preservative, and the details shall be such as to prevent or minimize the accumulation of water on wood parts. Wood ladders shall not be painted but may be coated with a clear sealant after inspection has assured that all requirements of 3278 have been met. - Note: Paint does not act as a wood preservative. (3) Combined Materials. When different types of materials are used in the construction of a ladder, the materials used shall be so treated as to have no deleterious effect, one upon the other. (f) Clearance. (1) On fixed ladders, the perpendicular distance from the center line of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees, and 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees (Fig. 5), with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope, except as provided in (3) and (7). - Exception: Manholes and Underground Vaults. (2) A clear width of at least [redacted street address] from the center line of the ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary. (See (g)(2) and Fig. 5.) - Exception: Manholes and Underground Vaults. (3) Ladders equipped with cage or basket shall be excepted from the provisions of (1) and (2), but shall conform to the provisions of …