General requirements of ladders

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 12, 1975

Mr. Ingo Zeise
Construction Division
Engineering Department
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
1007 Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19898

Dear Mr. Zeise:

This is in response to your letter of April 3, 1975 regarding the intent of general requirements of ladders, [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2) and 1926.1053(b)(1)] of the Construction Safety and Health Regulations. In addition, this confirms Jeff Campbell's conversation with you on April 24, 1975.

Ladders extending more than 36 inches above the landing do not need to have the rungs above the landing removed so as to facilitate employees stepping between the side rails.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 7, 1975

Mr. Monte Geiger
Associated General Contractors
Inland Empire Chapter E.
4935 Trent
Spokane, WA 99220

Dear Monte:

This is in answer to your request for an interpretation on OSHA standard [1926.451(e)(2) and 1926.1053(b)(1)] concerning ladders.

Portable ladders not extending 3 feet above upper landing must be secured.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 26, 2004

Mr. Robert Stanley
KPS, Inc.
11750 Diode Court
Louisville, KY 40299

Re: Extension ladder; ladder securing device; §1926.1053(b)(1).

Dear Mr. Stanley:

This is in response to your December 29, 2003, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding OSHA's construction standards. We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Rail extensions for a portable ladder;step-through ladder device.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

December 22, 2005

Mr. Bruce Clark
President
American Innovations Corporation
1865 W. Wayzata Blvd.
Long Lake, MN 55356-9322

Re: Rail extensions for a portable ladder; step-through ladder device.

Dear Mr. Clark,

This is in response to your letter dated September 21, 2005 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in which you ask whether the walk-through railing system that you manufacture meets OSHA ladder safety requirements. Your letter was forwarded to this office for handling on September 26, 2005.

Applicability of scaffold fall protection to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 20, 2005

Mr. Douglas A. Holman
1816 River Bend Road
Sevierville, TN 37876

Re: Applicability of scaffold fall protection requirements to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas; §1926.451(g) and 1926.451(h)

Dear Mr. Holman:

The use of cable hook assemblies, pole grip assemblies, or adjustable levelers on fiberglass extension ladders used in construction.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.