Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1):When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support. On or about September 14, 2022, employees conducting roofing installation operations on the upper level of a residential single-family property were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 12.6 feet when the employer failed to ensure that the ladder side rails extended at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access. No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.