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Guide to Ladder Requirements

Ladders can assist with simple daily tasks, but if not used properly, they can be very dangerous. It is important to know the specific regulations for different types of ladders, especially when their use is required for your job. Check out PE Facts to ensure your safety when using ladders!

Ladders come in all shapes and sizes, and are very useful in many different industries. They come in various types of materials and can be used for numerous applications. Although they can be very helpful, ladders are one of the main causes of fall-related deaths according to the National Safety Council. This document will review tips for proper ladder usage and safety, along with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for portable ladders.

OSHA Regulatory Requirements

OSHA has specific regulations for portable wood ladders and portable metal ladders.

Portable Wood Ladders
29 CFR 1910.25 addresses wood ladders, and is divided into materials, construction requirements, application, and ladder usage and care. These guidelines apply to common wood ladders, not to specialty ladders such as fruit picker's ladders, extension ladders, stepladders, library ladders, or shelf ladders.

Wood ladders should be built using high-density wood without sharp edges or splinters. You should visually inspect the wood to make sure there is no decay or irregularities including wane, shake and compression failures, or other flaws. There are construction requirements concerning ladder length (see Table #1) and step spacing. Uniform step spacing can only be up to 12'.

Table #1

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.

Requirements for usage and care guarantee the safety and serviceability of portable wood ladders. In order to maintain the good condition of the ladder, all joints should be kept tight; wheels, pulleys and locks should be lubricated; worn rope should be replaced; and it should be routinely cleaned. Any defective ladders must be immediately withdrawn from service or destroyed. Usage requirements state that ladders must be placed one foot away from the wall for every four feet of working ladder height (see Figure #1). It also requires that no more than one person is on the ladder at the same time. Ladders must not be placed in front of doorways or on top of other objects. When climbing to a rooftop, the ladder cannot be extended more than three feet above the point of support.

Figure #1:
Angle of Inclination
The ladder should be 1 foot away from the vertical support for every 4 feet of ladder height between the foot and the top support.

Portable Metal Ladders
29 CFR 1910.26 addresses metal ladders, and is split into general requirements, and care and maintenance. General requirements state that ladders must be free of splinters and sharp edges, and must be structurally secure. Metal ladders must have dimpled or knurled rungs, or they must be treated for superior slip resistance. OSHA also restricts ladder length on portable metal ladders (see Table #2). Uniform step spacing cannot be over 12".

The proper maintenance and care of portable metal ladders can improve user safety and prolong the life of the ladder. If the ladder tips over, it must be inspected for any damage or defects. If found defective it must be marked and put out of service until repaired. Ladders must be kept clean so they do not become sticky or slippery. Portable metal ladders can only hold a 200-lb. load and are designed for only one person. Similar to wooden ladders, metal ladders must be placed one foot away from the support for every four feet of ladder height (see Figure #1).

ANSI Standards

ANSI approves various types of wood that are suitable for ladders. Grain, pitch, knot and compression are all physical characteristics of wood that must be considered when building a ladder. Reinforced plastic ladders must use fully cured, commercial-grade thermosetting polyester resin with glass fiber reinforcement. The environment the ladder will be used in should be considered when determining what material to use to make it. Metal ladders do not have specific guidelines for which materials to use.

Although test requirements vary, ladders are typically evaluated on their strength at various angles and in different positions, their resistance to bending, and the quality of the separate components that the ladder consists of.

Weight and size restrictions for portable ladders are addressed under the construction requirements. The four types of ladders and their duty ratings are shown in Table #3. Size restrictions vary depending on material (wood, metal or reinforced plastic), ladder type, and design (platform ladder, extension ladder, stepladder, etc.).

Guidelines for using portable ladders involve choosing the right ladder for your specific task; inspecting it before use to ensure it is working properly; assessing the placement of the ladder so that the angle is correct, support is secure, and it is not in the way of others; using the appropriate climbing techniques; and caring for and storing ladders properly.

All ladders must be marked with their size, type, maximum length, number of sections, total length of sections, highest standing level, model number, manufacturer’s name and location, and the date of manufacture. Warning statements and usage guidelines must be placed in a visible spot on the ladder.

Table #2

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.

Table #3

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

Ladder Usage

Proper Procedure

You should always read the manufacturer's guidelines before using a ladder for the first time. Never use a ladder if you are feeling ill or fatigued, taking medication, or when weather is bad. Do not place ladders in doorways or other busy areas. If it is absolutely necessary to use near a door, make sure the door is locked. If the door must be open, have a coworker stand next to it to make sure no one walks into it or knocks it over. In order to avoid electrical shock or electrocution, use fiberglass or wooden ladders, rather than metal, near power lines or other sources of electricity.

Inspection

Each time a ladder is used it should be thoroughly inspected. This is to ensure that braces are securely fastened, rungs are firm, and ropes and pulleys are properly working. If any damage is found while inspecting the ladder, it should be immediately repaired. If the damage is irreparable, the ladder should be thrown away and replaced with a new one.

Proper Setup

The feet of the ladder should always be placed solidly on level ground. If the ground is soft or has an incline, you can use boards under the legs to create even support. Both sides of the ladder must be against the wall (or other form of support) to ensure stability. If using a stepladder, the legs should be fully spread and locked in place. Ladders should be placed at a 75 degree angle and should always be tested to confirm it is secure.

How to Climb

Before climbing, make sure ladder rungs are dry. Use a partner to hold the bottom of the ladder in place and to alert others. You should always keep a three-point grip on the ladder (two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet). Try to avoid distractions that will make you turn away from the front of the ladder or lean back. When climbing, go slowly and keep your weight balanced between the two sides. Never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder or the top four rungs of an extension ladder.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. While on a ladder, how should I handle objects?
A. Handling tools and other materials while on a ladder can be hazardous unless safety precautions are taken. Using a tool belt will free up your hands for climbing while keeping materials available. Heavy or bulky items should be brought up after you have reached the top. Signs or barricades should be used to alert others that work is going on above them and to be aware of possible falling objects.

Q. Do these requirements include ladders that are permanently attached to structures?
A. No, 29 CFR 1910.27, Fixed Ladders, covers requirements concerning ladders that are permanently attached to structures (fixed). This regulation covers specific features, design, clearance and pitch requirements for fixed ladders.

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.