What OSHA 1910.23 covers
29 CFR 1910.23 sets the general industry requirements for all ladders, portable and fixed, except ladders used in emergency operations such as firefighting and rescue, and ladders designed into or integral to machines or equipment (1910.23(a)). Ladders used in construction are covered by 29 CFR 1926.1053.
Requirements for all ladders
- Rungs, steps and cleats must be parallel, level and uniformly spaced, 10 to 14 inches apart measured between centerlines; steps on step stools are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart (1910.23(b)(1)–(2)).
- The minimum clear width between side rails is 11.5 inches for portable ladders and 16 inches for fixed ladders (1910.23(b)(4)).
- Ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, for visible defects (1910.23(b)(9)).
- Ladders with structural or other defects must be immediately tagged “Dangerous: Do Not Use” or with similar language and removed from service until repaired or replaced (1910.23(b)(10)).
- Employees must face the ladder when climbing up or down, keep at least one hand on the ladder, and not carry objects or loads that could cause them to lose balance (1910.23(b)(11)–(13)).
Portable ladders
- Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material or otherwise treated to reduce slipping (1910.23(c)(1)).
- Ladders may be used only for the purpose they were designed for, and must not be loaded beyond their maximum intended load.
- A ladder used to reach an upper landing must have side rails that extend at least 3 feet above the landing.
- The cap and top step of a stepladder must not be used as steps, and ladders must not be moved, shifted or extended while occupied.
- Ladders used where an employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment must have nonconductive side rails.
Fixed ladders
Fixed ladders must keep at least 7 inches of clearance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder (1910.23(d)(2)). Fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level need fall protection under 29 CFR 1910.28, such as a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system.
Odiz carries Werner and Louisville Ladder step, extension, platform and specialty ladders in Ladders. Many are built to ANSI A14.2 (metal) or ANSI A14.5 (fiberglass).
