What OSHA 1926.1053 covers
29 CFR 1926.1053 applies to all ladders used in construction, including job-made ladders. It is part of Subpart X, Stairways and Ladders; training requirements are in 1926.1060. Ladders used in general industry are covered by 29 CFR 1910.23.
Load capacity
- Self-supporting portable ladders must support at least four times the maximum intended load; extra-heavy-duty Type 1A metal or plastic ladders must sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load (1926.1053(a)(1)(i)).
- Portable ladders that are not self-supporting carry the same four-times and 3.3-times requirements (1926.1053(a)(1)(ii)).
- Fixed ladders must support at least two loads of 250 pounds each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (1926.1053(a)(1)(iii)).
Appendix A to Subpart X states that ladders designed to the ANSI A14 standards (A14.1 wood, A14.2 metal, A14.3 fixed, A14.4 job-made and A14.5 reinforced plastic) are deemed to meet these load requirements.
Design
- Rungs, cleats and steps of portable and fixed ladders must be spaced not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart (1926.1053(a)(3)(i)).
- The minimum clear distance between the side rails of portable ladders is 11.5 inches (1926.1053(a)(4)(i)).
- Stepladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections open during use (1926.1053(a)(8)).
- Fixed ladders with a length of climb of 24 feet or more must be equipped with fall protection such as a ladder safety device, self-retracting lifelines, or cages and wells (1926.1053(a)(19)).
Use
- When a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the landing, or the ladder must be secured at its top and a grab device provided (1926.1053(b)(1)).
- Non-self-supporting ladders must be set at an angle where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot is about one-quarter of the working length (1926.1053(b)(5)(i)).
- Ladders must have nonconductive side rails if the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment (1926.1053(b)(12)).
- The top or top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step (1926.1053(b)(13)).
- A competent person must inspect ladders periodically and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use (1926.1053(b)(15)).
- Ladders with structural defects must be immediately marked as defective or tagged “Do Not Use” and withdrawn from service until repaired (1926.1053(b)(16)).
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