|
Ladder Safety Information
Guide to selecting and using ladders
Ladder Requirements
OSHA Regulatory Requirements
OSHA guidelines contain separate regulations for portable wood ladders and portable metal ladders.
Portable Wood Ladders (29 CFR 1910.25)
This regulation applies to common wood ladders and not to specialty ladders such as shelf ladders, extension ladders, fruit picker's ladders, stepladders or library ladders.
|
|
Wood ladders should be constructed of a high-density wood that is free of sharp edges and splinters. Visual inspection should reveal no decay, irregularities including shake, wane and compression failures, or other weaknesses. Construction requirements include ladder length restrictions (see the following table) and step spacing. Uniform step spacing must not exceed 12".
Wooden Ladder Length Restrictions
| Ladder Type | Maximum Length | Special Requirements |
| Industrial Stepladders | 3'-20' | Wider than 11½". Must have locking device to hold ladder sections open. |
| Commercial Stepladder | 3'-12' | Same as above. |
| Household Stepladder | 3'-6' | Same as above. |
| Rung Ladder | 30' | None. |
| Two-Section Rung Ladder | 60' | Ladder rails must fit into each other. Upper section can be raised/lowered. |
| Trestle Ladder | 20' | None. |
| Painter's Ladder | 12' | None. |
| Mason's Ladder | 40' | None. |
| Side-Rolling Ladder | 20' | None. |
Care and usage requirements ensure the serviceability and safety of portable wood ladders. Ladders should be maintained in good condition by keeping all joints tight; lubricating all wheels, locks and pulleys; replacing worn rope; and routine cleaning. Those that are defective must be destroyed or withdrawn from service. Usage requirements involve placing the ladders at an angle so they are one foot away from the wall for every four feet of working ladder height; allowing only one person at a time on a ladder; not placing the ladder on top of other objects to increase height or in front of doorways; and extending the ladder three feet over a point of support if climbing to a rooftop among others.
Portable Metal Ladders (29 CFR 1910.26)
The general requirements call for ladders that are free of sharp edges and are structurally sound. Metal ladders must have rungs that are knurled, dimpled or treated to improve slip resistance. OSHA also places ladder length restrictions on portable metal ladders (see the following table) and step spacing. Uniform step spacing must not exceed 12".
Metal ladder Length Restrictions
| Ladder Type | Maximum Length | Special Requirements |
| Straight Ladder | 30' | Wider than 12". |
| Extension Ladders
Two-section Three-section |
48' 60' |
Wider than 12". Overlap stops required. Overlap stops required. |
| Stepladders | 20' | Insulating, nonslip pads at bottom of rails. Must have locking device to hold ladder sections open. |
| Platform Ladder | 20' | None. |
| Trestle Ladder/Extensions | 20' | None. |
Proper care and maintenance of portable metal ladders extends ladder life and improves user safety. If a ladder tips over, it must be inspected for damage (bends or dents, loose rivets or joints, etc.) and if defective, must be marked and taken out of service for repair. Ladders must be kept clean so they do not become slippery. Portable metal ladders are designed for use by only one person. Like wooden ladders, metal ladders must be placed at an angle so they are one foot away from the wall for every four feet of working ladder height.
ANSI Standards
ANSI standards for portable ladders include ANSI A14.1-2000 for wood ladders, ANSI A14.2-2000 for metal ladders and ANSI A14.5-1982 for reinforced plastic ladders. These standards detail specifications on the various materials, construction requirements, test requirements, usage guidelines and labeling/marking requirements for portable ladders.
ANSI recommends various species of wood that are suitable for ladders. Physical characteristics such as grain, knot, pitch and compression must be controlled in the construction of ladders. Reinforced plastic ladders must use fully cured, commercial-grade thermosetting polyester resin with glass fiber reinforcement. The type of material to be used is determined by the environment the finished ladder will encounter (electrical hazards, temperature extremes, corrosion, outdoor weathering, etc.). Metal ladders do not have material guidelines.
Test requirements for the three ladder materials vary. However, ladders are generally evaluated on their resistance to bending, strength in various positions and the quality of the individual components that make up the ladder.
Construction requirements include weight and size categories for portable ladders. The five ladder types and their duty ratings are shown in the following table. Size categories vary for wood, metal and reinforced plastic materials, ladder types, and ladder designs (stepladder, extension ladder, platform ladder, etc.).
Ladder Duty Rating
| Ladder Type | Duty Rating | Description |
| Type 1AA | 375 lbs. | Extra Heavy-duty industrial ladder |
| Type 1A | 300 lbs. | Heavy-duty industrial ladder |
| Type 1 | 250 lbs. | Heavy-duty industrial ladder |
| Type 2 | 225 lbs. | Medium-duty commercial ladder |
| Type 3 | 200 lbs. | Light-duty household ladder |
Usage guidelines for portable ladders encompass selecting the proper ladder for the job being performed; inspecting prior to use to verify proper operation and cleanliness; evaluating ladder placement so that footing and top supports are secure and not creating a traffic hazard for pedestrians; utilizing proper climbing technique; and caring for and storing ladders.
Ladders must be marked with ladder size, type, maximum length, number of sections (if appropriate), highest standing level, total length of sections (if applicable), model number, manufacturer's name, manufacturer's location, and date of manufacture. Usage guidelines and other warning statements must also be placed on the ladders in specific locations depending on ladder type.