Learn About OSHA Requirements for Ladders

Written by Mary Salatino | Edited by Michael Purser

Watch your step! Falls are one of the most common — and deadliest — workplace hazards. Recognized as one of OSHA's Focus Four construction dangers, they are a leading cause of serious injuries on job sites. While ladders are essential tools that help us reach new heights, they can also present significant fall risks if not used correctly.

This article will provide a detailed overview of OSHA's ladder safety rules, as well as important tips, to ensure employees are aware of industry standards for a secure working environment. Understanding these requirements will help you stay compliant with the industry standard to maintain a safe working environment.

Understand Ladder Safety Regulations According to OSHA Guidelines

OSHA fall protection requirements are strategically designed to uphold the highest standards of safety for workers, including ladder selection, usage protocols and ongoing inspection and maintenance to prevent dangerous incidents from occurring. 29 CFR 1910.23 provides a definition of federal regulations for the safe use of climbing equipment in the workplace, with a goal to implement best practices to prevent incidents and avoid injury.

OSHA ladder safety requirements include:

• Selection: Employers must ensure that equipment meets federal policy requirements for commercial use. Different types of ladders, such as step, extension and platform, each have distinct applications and load capacities that meet various needs.
• Proper use and maintenance: Proper usage includes maintaining three points of contact, being positioned to face the equipment and avoid overreach. Regular inspections are crucial to identify and address any defects, ensuring equipment is protected from wear.
• Placement: Climbing equipment should only be placed on secured surfaces, ensuring proper angles for non-fixed designs and avoiding placement in front of doors that may open toward the device. Ladders taller than 24 feet require cages or safety systems to comply with fall protection rules and prevent falls.
• Fall protection: The employer must ensure that adequate fall protection, such as personal fall arrest systems or guardrails, is in position to minimize risks for ladders that exceed 24 feet.
• Training: Employers are responsible for providing appropriate prerequisite training and guidance. The program should cover all relevant standards for the jobsite and equipment used.
• Hazard communication: Employers must communicate potential hazards to employees. This includes providing information on the specific hazards and the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks.
• Recordkeeping: Employers are required to maintain records of ladder inspections, training and any accidents or violations. OSHA may request these records during inspections to ensure compliance.

Types of Ladders and Their Safety Measures

Just like any other tool, selecting the right equipment for climbing tasks is crucial. Each type of ladder comes with its own set of safety considerations. Here's a breakdown of common types and the safety measures and violations associated with each:

Step

Stepladders are self-supporting and portable, equipped with a small number of steps. They are typically used for tasks requiring a short boost from a stable and easily accessible platform, such as household chores, maintenance or light construction work.

• Position all four legs firmly on the ground and ensure any spreaders are locked before ascending. The legs should be evenly spaced to avoid the risk of injury.
• Do not stand on the top two rungs or steps.
• Face the step device while climbing.

Extension

These are telescoping, adjustable devices with two or more sections that can be extended to a desired length, allowing workers to access taller areas. This equipment has various uses, typically for tasks that require access to different elevations, such as construction, painting or maintenance activities on buildings or outdoor structures.

• Position the frame against a secured, fixed vertical surface.
• Extend the ladder at least three feet above the landing or working surface.
• Use the 4-to-1 rule: for every four feet of ladder height, the base should be one foot away from the supporting structure.

Fixed

These are permanent, immobile vertical installations mounted to a structure. These are commonly placed to access elevated platforms, rooftops or confined spaces within industrial or commercial settings.

• Fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet must have a cage, well or safety system.
• Regularly inspect fixed ladders for any signs of wear, corrosion or damage.
• Ensure the equipment extends at least 42 inches above the landing.

Platform

Platform designs are versatile and self-supporting, with a broad, flat platform at the top. They need to be positioned on a flat surface and checked for proper clearance. They offer a stable surface for the individual and are commonly employed for tasks requiring prolonged work at elevated heights, such as maintenance, painting or warehouse activities.

• Only use the platform on a flat, level surface.
• Lock the platform and guardrail before climbing.
• Do not overreach from the platform — maintain your center of gravity within the side rails.

Rolling

These mobile ladders are equipped with wheels or casters, allowing easy relocation. Additionally, they typically feature a platform or steps, making them suitable for tasks that require frequent movement within a workspace. These designs are often locked to a rail or other guide system and are used for tasks such as accessing shelves or storage areas in libraries, warehouses or retail environments.

• Be sure that the wheels are locked before climbing.
• Only use rolling ladders on stable and level surfaces.
• Do not move the equipment while another worker is using it.

Train Online

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