Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 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 Nov. 22, 2017, located on the south side of a residential roof structure, employees were observed using a 20 foot extension ladder to gain roof access. The ladder did not extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface; was improperly positioned over the roof eave corner, which would cause the ladder to slip under load; and was not secured at its top.