Question: How long can "qualified climbers" climb fixed ladders in outdoor advertising without using fall protection?

Answer:

Qualified climbers may continue to climb billboard fixed ladders (over 24 feet) without fall protection during the two-year phase-in period for installing some type of fall protection (i.e., cage, well, ladder safety system, personal fall arrest system) on those ladders. During this period, outdoor advertising employers also must ensure that each qualified climber:

• Receives training and demonstrates the physical capability to perform climbs;
• Wears a body harness equipped with an 18-inch rest lanyard;
• Keeps both hands free of objects when climbing the fixed ladder; and
• Uses fall protection after reaching the work position (§1910.28(b)(10)(ii)(A) – (D)).

Once billboard ladders are equipped with some type of fall protection, outdoor advertising employers must ensure workers use those systems while climbing.