Construction
Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure:
Each 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.
Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaces when the
ladder is in position for use.
Rung Spacing
Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders shall be
spaced not less that 10 inches apart, nor more than 14 inches apart, as measured between
center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools shall be not less
than 8 inches apart.
Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension
trestle ladders shall be not less than 8 inches apart nor more than 18 inches apart.
Rung Width
The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable
ladders shall be 11 1/2 inches.
The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled,
coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
A metal spreader of 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.
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.
Use
Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they
are specifically designed for such use.
When portable ladders are used for access to an upper
landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper
landing surface to which the ladder is use to gain access.
Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.
Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built,
nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity.
Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.
Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance
from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working
length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support).
Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent
accidental displacement.
Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with
slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feed shall
not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used
upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that
are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery.
Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or
traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent
accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be use to keep the activities or traffic
away from the ladder.
The area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.
The top of a non-self supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported
equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment.
Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied.
Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the
ladder could contact exposed energized equipment.
The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.
Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless
the ladders are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear
sections.
Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for
visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe
use.
Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but
not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, corroded
components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in
a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with "Do Not
Use" or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired.
Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design
criteria, before the ladder is returned to use.
When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder.
Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up
and/or down the ladder.
An employee shall not carry an object or load that could cause the employee to lose
balance and fall.
