1910.25(a)

"Application of requirements." This section is intended to prescribe rules and establish minimum requirements for the construction, care, and use of the common types of portable wood ladders, in order to insure safety under normal conditions of usage. Other types of special ladders, fruitpicker's ladders, combination step and extension ladders, stockroom step ladders, aisle-way step ladders, shelf ladders, and library ladders are not specifically covered by this section.

1910.25(b)

"Materials" -

1910.25(b)(1)

"Requirements applicable to all wood parts."

1910.25(b)(1)(i)

All wood parts shall be free from sharp edges and splinters; sound and free from accepted visual inspection from shake, wane, compression failures, decay, or other irregularities. Low density wood shall not be used.

1910.25(c)

"Construction requirements."

1910.25(c)(1)

[Reserved]

..1910.25(c)(2)

1910.25(c)(2)

"Portable stepladders." Stepladders longer than 20 feet shall not be supplied. Stepladders as hereinafter specified shall be of three types:

Type I   - Industrial stepladder, 3 to 20 feet for heavy duty, such
          as utilities, contractors, and industrial use.
Type II  - Commercial stepladder, 3 to 12 feet for medium duty, such
          as painters, offices, and light industrial use.
Type III - Household stepladder, 3 to 6 feet for light duty, such as
          light household use.

                        

1910.25(c)(2)(i)

"General requirements."

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(a)

[Reserved]

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(b)

A uniform step spacing shall be employed which shall be not more than 12 inches. Steps shall be parallel and level when the ladder is in position for use.

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(c)

The minimum width between side rails at the top, inside to inside, shall be not less than 11 1/2 inches. From top to bottom, the side rails shall spread at least 1 inch for each foot of length of stepladder.

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(d)

-

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(e)

[Reserved]

1910.25(c)(2)(i)(f)

A metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in open positions shall be a component of each stepladder. The spreader shall have all sharp points covered or removed to protect the user. For Type III ladder, the pail shelf and spreader may be combined in one unit (the so-called shelf-lock ladder).

..1910.25(c)(3)

1910.25(c)(3)

"Portable rung ladders."

1910.25(c)(3)(i)

[Reserved]

1910.25(c)(3)(ii)

"Single ladder."

1910.25(c)(3)(ii)(a)

Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be supplied.

1910.25(c)(3)(iii)

"Two-section ladder."

1910.25(c)(3)(iii)(a)

Two-section extension ladders longer than 60 feet shall not be supplied. All ladders of this type shall consist of two sections, one to fit within the side rails of the other, and arranged in such a manner that the upper section can be raised and lowered.

1910.25(c)(3)(iv)

"Sectional ladder."

1910.25(c)(3)(iv)(a)

Assembled combinations of sectional ladders longer than lengths specified in this subdivision shall not be used.

1910.25(c)(3)(v)

"Trestle and extension trestle ladder."

1910.25(c)(3)(v)(a)

Trestle ladders, or extension sections or base sections of extension trestle ladders longer than 20 feet shall not be supplied.

..1910.25(c)(4)

1910.25(c)(4)

"Special-purpose ladders."

1910.25(c)(4)(i)

[Reserved]

1910.25(c)(4)(ii)

"Painter's stepladder."

1910.25(c)(4)(ii)(a)

Painter's stepladders longer than 12 feet shall not be supplied.

1910.25(c)(4)(iii)

"Mason's ladder." A mason's ladder is a special type of single ladder intended for use in heavy construction work.

1910.25(c)(4)(iii)(a)

Mason's ladders longer than 40 feet shall not be supplied.

1910.25(c)(5)

"Trolley and side-rolling ladders" -

1910.25(c)(5)(i)

"Length." Trolley ladders and side-rolling ladders longer than 20 feet should not be supplied.

1910.25(d)

"Care and use of ladders" -

1910.25(d)(1)

"Care." To insure safety and serviceability the following precautions on the care of ladders shall be observed:

..1910.25(d)(1)(i)

1910.25(d)(1)(i)

Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times, the joint between the steps and side rails shall be tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and the movable parts shall operate freely without binding or undue play.

1910.25(d)(1)(ii)

Metal bearings of locks, wheels, pulleys, etc., shall be frequently lubricated.

1910.25(d)(1)(iii)

Frayed or badly worn rope shall be replaced.

1910.25(d)(1)(iv)

Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment shall be kept in good condition to insure proper performance.

1910.25(d)(1)(v)-(ix)

[Reserved]

1910.25(d)(1)(x)

Ladders shall be inspected frequently and those which have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as "Dangerous, Do Not Use."

1910.25(d)(1)(xi)

Rungs should be kept free of grease and oil.

1910.25(d)(2)

"Use." The following safety precautions shall be observed in connection with the use of ladders:

..1910.25(d)(2)(i)

1910.25(d)(2)(i)

Portable rung and cleat ladders shall, where possible, be used at such a pitch that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the top support). The ladder shall be so placed as to prevent slipping, or it shall be lashed, or held in position. Ladders shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways, or scaffolds;

1910.25(d)(2)(ii)

Ladders for which dimensions are specified should not be used by more than one man at a time nor with ladder jacks and scaffold planks where use by more than one man is anticipated. In such cases, specially designed ladders with larger dimensions of the parts should be procured;

1910.25(d)(2)(iii)

Portable ladders shall be so placed that the side rails have a secure footing. The top rest for portable rung and cleat ladders shall be reasonably rigid and shall have ample strength to support the applied load;

1910.25(d)(2)(iv)

Ladders shall not be placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder unless the door is blocked upon, locked, or guarded;

1910.25(d)(2)(v)

Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height;

1910.25(d)(2)(vi)-(vii)

[Reserved]

1910.25(d)(2)(viii)

Ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty equipment shall not be used; improvised repairs shall not be made;

..1910.25(d)(2)(ix)

1910.25(d)(2)(ix)

Short ladders shall not be spliced together to provide long sections;

1910.25(d)(2)(x)

Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail shall not be used;

1910.25(d)(2)(xi)

Ladders shall not be used as guys, braces, or skids, or for other than their intended purposes;

1910.25(d)(2)(xii)

Tops of the ordinary types of stepladders shall not be used as steps;

1910.25(d)(2)(xiii)

On two-section extension ladders the minimum overlap for the two sections in use shall be as follows:

________________________________________________________
                                   |
     Size of ladder (feet)         |  Overlap (feet)
____________________________________|___________________
                                   |
Up to and including 36 .............|      3
Over 36 up to and including 48 .....|      4
Over 48 up to and including 60 .....|      5
____________________________________|___________________

                        

1910.25(d)(2)(xiv)

Portable rung ladders with reinforced rails (see paragraphs (c)(3) (ii)(c) and (iii)(d) this section) shall be used only with the metal reinforcement on the under side;

1910.25(d)(2)(xv)

No ladder should be used to gain access to a roof unless the top of the ladder shall extend at least 3 feet above the point of support, at eave, gutter, or roofline;

1910.25(d)(2)(xvi)

[Reserved]

..1910.25(d)(2)(xvii)

1910.25(d)(2)(xvii)

Middle and top sections of sectional or window cleaner's ladders should not be used for bottom section unless the user equips them with safety shoes;

1910.25(d)(2)(xviii)

[Reserved]

1910.25(d)(2)(xix)

The user should equip all portable rung ladders with nonslip bases when there is a hazard of slipping. Nonslip bases are not intended as a substitute for care in safely placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is being used upon oily, metal, concrete, or slippery surfaces;

1910.25(d)(2)(xx)

The bracing on the back legs of step ladders is designed solely for increasing stability and not for climbing.

[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. 10, 1984]

1910.26(a)

"Requirements" -

1910.26(a)(1)

"General." Specific design and construction requirements are not part of this section because of the wide variety of metals and design possibilities. However, the design shall be such as to produce a ladder without structural defects or accident hazards such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. The metal selected shall be of sufficient strength to meet the test requirements, and shall be protected against corrosion unless inherently corrosion-resistant.

1910.26(a)(1)(i)

-

1910.26(a)(1)(ii)

[Reserved]

1910.26(a)(1)(iii)

The spacing of rungs or steps shall be on 12-inch centers.

1910.26(a)(1)(iv)

[Reserved]

1910.26(a)(1)(v)

Rungs and steps shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping.

..1910.26(a)(2)

1910.26(a)(2)

"General specifications - straight and extension ladders."

1910.26(a)(2)(i)

The minimum width between side rails of a straight ladder or any section of an extension ladder shall be 12 inches.

1910.26(a)(2)(ii)

The length of single ladders or individual sections of ladders shall not exceed 30 feet. Two-section ladders shall not exceed 48 feet in length and over two-section ladders shall not exceed 60 feet in length.

1910.26(a)(2)(iii)

Based on the nominal length of the ladder, each section of a multisection ladder shall overlap the adjacent section by at least the number of feet stated in the following:

______________________________________________________
                                   |
   Normal length of ladder (feet)  | Overlap (feet)
____________________________________|________________
                                   |
Up to and including 36 .............|      3
Over 36, up to and including 48 ....|      4
Over 48, up to 60 ..................|      5
____________________________________|_________________

                          

1910.26(a)(2)(iv)

Extension ladders shall be equipped with positive stops which will insure the overlap specified in the table above.

1910.26(a)(3)

"General specifications - step ladders."

1910.26(a)(3)(i)-(ii)

[Reserved]

1910.26(a)(3)(iii)

The length of a stepladder is measured by the length of the front rail. To be classified as a standard length ladder, the measured length shall be within plus or minus one-half inch of the specified length. Stepladders shall not exceed 20 feet in length.

1910.26(a)(3)(iv)-(vi)

[Reserved]

..1910.26(a)(3)(vii)

1910.26(a)(3)(vii)

The bottoms of the four rails are to be supplied with insulating non-slip material for the safety of the user.

1910.26(a)(3)(viii)

A metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in the open position shall be a component of each stepladder. The spreader shall have all sharp points or edges covered or removed to protect the user.

1910.26(a)(4)

"General specifications - trestles and extension trestle ladders."

1910.26(a)(4)(i)

Trestle ladders or extension sections or base sections of extension trestle ladders shall be not more than 20 feet in length.

1910.26(a)(5)

"General specifications - platform ladders."

1910.26(a)(5)(i)

The length of a platform ladder shall not exceed 20 feet. The length of a platform ladder shall be measured along the front rail from the floor to the platform.

1910.26(b)

[Reserved]

..1910.26(c)

1910.26(c)

"Care and maintenance of ladders" -

1910.26(c)(1)

"General." To get maximum serviceability, safety, and to eliminate unnecessary damage of equipment, good safe practices in the use and care of ladder equipment must be employed by the users.

The following rules and regulations are essential to the life of the equipment and the safety of the user.

1910.26(c)(2)

"Care of ladders."

1910.26(c)(2)(i)-(iii)

[Reserved]

1910.26(c)(2)(iv)

Ladders must be maintained in good usable condition at all times.

1910.26(c)(2)(v)

[Reserved]

1910.26(c)(2)(vi)

If a ladder is involved in any of the following, immediate inspection is necessary:

1910.26(c)(2)(vi)(a)

If ladders tip over, inspect ladder for side rails dents or bends, or excessively dented rungs; check all rung-to-side-rail connections; check hardware connections; check rivets for shear.

1910.26(c)(2)(vi)(b)-

1910.27(a)

"Design requirements" -

1910.27(a)(1)

Design considerations. All ladders, appurtenances, and fastenings shall be designed to meet the following load requirements:

1910.27(a)(1)(i)

The minimum design live load shall be a single concentrated load of 200 pounds.

1910.27(a)(1)(ii)

The number and position of additional concentrated live-load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated usage of the ladder shall be considered in the design.

1910.27(a)(1)(iii)

The live loads imposed by persons occupying the ladder shall be considered to be concentrated at such points as will cause the maximum stress in the structural member being considered.

1910.27(a)(1)(iv)

The weight of the ladder and attached appurtenances together with the live load shall be considered in the design of rails and fastenings.

1910.27(a)(2)

"Design stresses." Design stresses for wood components of ladders shall not exceed those specified in 1910.25. All wood parts of fixed ladders shall meet the requirements of 1910.25(b).

For fixed ladders consisting of wood side rails and wood rungs or cleats, used at a pitch in the range 75 degrees to 90 degrees, and intended for use by no more than one person per section, single ladders as described in 1910.25(c)(3)(ii) are acceptable.

..1910.27(b)

1910.27(b)

"Specific features" -

1910.27(b)(1)

"Rungs and cleats."

1910.27(b)(1)(i)

All rungs shall have a minimum diameter of three-fourths inch for metal ladders, except as covered in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section and a minimum diameter of 1 1/8 inches for wood ladders.

1910.27(b)(1)(ii)

The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps shall not exceed 12 inches and shall be uniform throughout the length of the ladder.

1910.27(b)(1)(iii)

The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats shall be 16 inches.

1910.27(b)(1)(iv)

Rungs, cleats, and steps shall be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard.

1910.27(b)(1)(v)

The rungs of an individual-rung ladder shall be so designed that the foot cannot slide off the end. A suggested design is shown in figure D-1.

   FIGURE D-1. - Suggested design for rungs on individual-rung
                 ladders.
(For Figure D-1, Click Here)

                          

1910.27(b)(2)

"Side rails." Side rails which might be used as a climbing aid shall be of such cross sections as to afford adequate gripping surface without sharp edges, splinters, or burrs.

1910.27(b)(3)

"Fastenings." Fastenings shall be an integral part of fixed ladder design.

..1910.27(b)(4)

1910.27(b)(4)

"Splices." All splices made by whatever means shall meet design requirements as noted in paragraph (a) of this section. All splices and connections shall have smooth transition with original members and with no sharp or extensive projections.

1910.27(b)(5)

"Electrolytic action." Adequate means shall be employed to protect dissimilar metals from electrolytic action when such metals are joined.

1910.27(b)(6)

"Welding." All welding shall be in accordance with the "Code for Welding in Building Construction" (AWSD1.0-1966).

1910.27(b)(7)

"Protection from deterioration."

1910.27(b)(7)(i)

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.

1910.27(b)(7)(ii)

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.

..1910.27(b)(7)(iii)

1910.27(b)(7)(iii)

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.

  FIGURE D-2. - Rail Ladder With Bar Steel Rails and Round Steel
                Rungs
(For Figure D-2, Click Here)

                          

1910.27(c)

"Clearance" -

1910.27(c)(1)

"Climbing side." On fixed ladders, the perpendicular distance from the centerline 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. D-2 of this section), with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope, except as provided in subparagraphs (3) and (5) of this paragraph.

1910.27(c)(2)

"Ladders without cages or wells." A clear width of at least 15 inches shall be provided each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary.

1910.27(c)(3)

"Ladders with cages or baskets." Ladders equipped with cage or basket are excepted from the provisions of subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph, but shall conform to the provisions of paragraph (d)(1)(v) of this section. Fixed ladders in smooth-walled wells are excepted from the provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, but shall conform to the provisions of paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section.

..1910.27(c)(4)

1910.27(c)(4)

"Clearance in back of ladder." The distance from the centerline of rungs, cleats, or steps to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder shall be not less than 7 inches, except that when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, minimum clearances as shown in figure D-3 shall be provided.

                     Minimum Ladder Clearances

  FIGURE D-3. - Clearance for Unavoidable Obstruction at Rear
                       of Fixed Ladder
(For Figure D-3, Click Here)

                          

1910.27(c)(5)

"Clearance in back of grab bar." The distance from the centerline of the grab bar to the nearest permanent object in back of the grab bars shall be not less than 4 inches. Grab bars shall not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder which they serve.

1910.27(c)(6)

"Step-across distance." The step-across distance from the nearest edge of ladder to the nearest edge of equipment or structure shall be not more than 12 inches, or less than 2 1/2 inches (fig. D-4).

    FIGURE D-4. - Ladder Far from Wall
(For Figure D-4, Click Here)

                          

..1910.27(c)(7)

    FIGURE D-5. - Deflector Plates for Head Hazard
(For Figure D-5, Click Here)

    FIGURE D-6. - Relationship of Fixed Ladder to a Safe Access
                  Hatch
(For Figure D-6, Click Here)

                          

       FIGURE D-7. - Cages for Ladders More Than 20 Feet High
(For Figure D-7, Click Here)

       FIGURE D-8. - Clearance Diagram for Fixed Ladder in Well
(For Figure D-8, Click Here)

       FIGURE D-9. - Cages-Special applications.
(For Figure D-9, Click Here)

                          

         FIGURE D-10. - Offset Fixed Ladder Sections
(For Figure D-10, Click Here)

                          

            FIGURE D-11. - Pitch of Fixed Ladders
(For Figure D-11, Click Here)