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OSHA Standards for Ladders

Ladders are key tools in the construction and maritime industries, as well as for home use. To help avoid ladder-related injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to train workers and to ensure the proper use of ladders on the worksite. OSHA also sets manufacturing and labeling standards for ladders to protect users.

  1. All ladders

    • There are several OSHA requirements that apply to all ladders: Ladders should be properly secured to avoid movement while a person is climbing or descending; they should not be used beyond the manufacturer's workload specifications; the area around the ladder should be kept clear of debris; and, if the worksite has 25 or more employees, there must be either a double-cleated ladder or more than one ladder to allow for two-way traffic.

    Stepladders

    • Stepladders are those that unfold into an "A" shape and are set on a level, secure surface. These ladders are designed to be used in a fully-locked-open position, never simply leaned against a wall or other surface. The rungs are on one side with support bars on the other. Only the rungs should be used to climb or descend. The top of a stepladder should not be used as a step and OSHA requires manufacturers to indicate this with a clear label.

    Portable ladders

    • Portable ladders are designed to lean against a wall or other secure vertical surface. The bottom of the ladder should be on a level, firm, horizontal surface and far enough away from the wall to create a 75-degree angle. Rungs must be between 10 and 14 inches apart and at least 11.5 inches wide. Some portable ladders are also extension ladders, which are designed to extend climbing range. In either case, if the ladder is used to gain access to an upper landing, such as a rooftop, the ladder must extend at least three feet beyond that landing.

    Fixed ladders

    • Fixed ladders are those that are mounted to a vertical surface and not designed to be moved. If the height exceeds 24 feet, there must be additional safety devices available, such as a self-retracting lifeline or a resting platform, at least every 150 feet. Another safety option is to have several 50-foot sections of ladder, surrounded by a cage, with a landing platform at the end of each section. Each section of ladder has to extend at least 42 inches above each landing platform.

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