Previously, a fixed ladder with a cage required a landing platform at a maximum interval of 30 feet. Any work area four feet or more above the next level lower MUST have guardrails. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. One important distinction of OSHA 1910 Subpart D is that a guardrail is what is on top of the platform, whereas a handrail is what is along the staircase. Stair landings at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) in depth.. What are the OSHA requirements for ladders? Both of these documents contain provisions extending the distance of continuous climb on a ladder with a cage or well to a length not to exceed 50 feet. The Spika-developed Variable-Pitch Staircase maintains a consistent step interval at any height, no matter if you have 2 feet or 12 feet of vertical travel. For extra safety precaution, consider using an interlock mechanism to ensure the safety gate cannot be opened when it's unsafe. But since January 2017 when OSHA completely rewrote the standard 1910 Subpart D: Walking Working Surfaces (the standard that serves as the authority on work platform compliance), it's been nearly impossible to get a straight answer on what our fall protection needs to have to comply. Under the code, any fixed ladder over 20 feet with a cage was required to have landing platforms every 30 feet, and any fixed ladder over 20 feet without a cage required landing platforms every 20 feet. Parapet ladders must have an access level at the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through it. What about landing platforms? Please refer to the enclosed drawing for reference. Lewistown Montana 59457, Five Key OSHA Standards for Work Platforms. The number of safety standards that apply to work stands can be overwhelming. If you're unsure whether your platform is in compliance, ask the experts. ", Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, Landing platform #3 to landing platform #4. Wexford, PA 15090-1395 Handrails have a different height requirement than guardrails. The information provided below covers general design requirements. The platform must be capable of supporting at least four times its rated capacity. In addition, fixed ladders must meet the following requirements: Fixed ladders must be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments. As stated by OSHA, in general the standards require ladders under the following conditions: When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more and no ramp, runway, embankment or personnel hoist is available, employers must provide a stairway or ladder at all worker points of access. In follow to our telephone conversation of June 11, 1998, please be advised that we need your help in obtaining clarification concerning an OSHA compliance issue. Fixed ladders without cages must now have a landing platform at maximum intervals of 150 feet. Riser height – 6 to 7.5 inches (15.24 to 19.05 cm) Stair width a minimum of 22 inches (55.88 cm) Tread depth of a minimum of 12±2 inches (30.48±5.08 cm) Tread nosing – straight leading edges. Don't forget: when you're performing manufacturing or maintenance tasks, there is a good chance you will be setting tools, parts, and hardware on the floor beside you. Similar comments were made from our customer (in this case the end user). What are the OSHA requirements for ladders? 6.3.8, Landing Platforms, states "When ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 50 ft (except as provided in para. Fixed ladders without cages must now have a landing platform at maximum intervals of 150’ feet. Box 1395 This ladder is offset and would not require a swing gate at the opening. Foldout or stepladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position when in use. Box 1395 OSHA 1910.23(b) ... Two or more ladders used to reach an elevated work area must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders, except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders; The following OSHA ladder inspection requirements are specified in their safety standards. ladders used to access another level should be tied (see Figure 9) and extend at least 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold. They always delivered on time or earlier and I was always impressed with what they delivered. When ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet (except on chimneys), landing platforms shall be provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except that, where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided, landing platforms shall be provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof. In addition, fixed ladders must meet the following requirements: Fixed ladders must be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments. When two ladders are used to reach a work area, the ladders must be separated by a landing platform at least 24 inches by 30 inches. From the first phone calls with you and your team. Reply to question 2: The current OSHA standard 1910.27(d)(2) establishes a maximum limit of 30 feet between platforms, so ladder distances in excess of 30 feet without an intermittent platform would not be in compliance with the standard. Interpretations of the OSHA regulations are the responsibilities of the owner and engineer of record. These ladders cannot move while employees are on them, and the base frame must encompass the standing area of the mobile ladder system. This is proven out through engineering analyses or physical load testing during the design and manufacturing process. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. These ladder sections must be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms must be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m). Ladders (1910.23) – OSHA revised 1910.23(d)(4) to state that 42 inches is the minimum – not the exact – measurement for fixed ladder side rail extensions. ". 24 Inches This extension above the access level must be at least 24 inches wide (to accommodate the width of climber’s body) and not more than 30 inches of clearance, allowing the climber to easily reach both hand rails. OSHA Ladder Safety: General Requirements and Rules for All Ladders. Riser height – 6 to 7.5 inches (15.24 to 19.05 cm) Stair width a minimum of 22 inches (55.88 cm) Tread depth of a minimum of 12±2 inches (30.48±5.08 cm) Tread nosing – straight leading edges. This is the same height that OSHA requires for guardrails. Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25(b)(5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platform's … Provided expert on-site service when issues found due to transport. OSHA 1910.23(e)(1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Your stands are superior to everything I’ve ever worked with since day one! The new OSHA General Industry fall protection regulations that went into effect in 2017 are prompting a slew of questions on fixed ladders. (d)(2) "Landing Platforms", which reads as follows: "When ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet (except on chimneys), landing platforms shall be provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except that, where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided, landing platforms shall be provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof. According to OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(iv)“Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used.” Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 1926.1053(b)(2) – Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. 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