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.

Ridge hook-supported 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.

March 7, 1997

Mr. Don Jackson
The Journal of Light Construction
RR #2 Box 146
Richmond, Vermont 05477

Dear Mr. Jackson:

This is in response to your telefax of January 22, concerning ridge hook-supported ladders.

First, I would like to respond to your specific questions. Employers can use ridge hook-supported ladders to access staging provided the requirements for access in Subpart L are met.

Requirements for attachable ladders used for scaffold access.

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 27, 1999

Darin J. Paschall
Division Manager
Brand Scaffold Rental and Erection, Inc.
Huntington, WV Division
111 Thompson Road
Culloden, West Virginia 25510

Re: Whether attached scaffold ladders must extend above the scaffold platform; 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)

Dear Mr. Paschall:

Requirements for attachable scaffold ladders used in construction; toe-hold minimum distance requirement.

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.

November 17, 2003

John Schuler Construction
4726 Knollwood Court
Oceanside, CA 92056

Re: OSHA requirements for attachable scaffold ladders used in construction - §1926.451(e); fall protection; toe-hold clearance.

Dear Mr. Schuler:

Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process 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.

January 22, 2004

Mr. James R. Rhudy
CBI
(by fax)

Re: Whether, in construction work, portable ladders may be used on tank builders' scaffolds during the scaffold dismantling process; §1926.451.

Dear Mr. Rhudy:

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:

Whether 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) and 1926.1053(a)(19) apply to an attachable ladder used on scaffolding.

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 25, 2006

Michael J. Frenzel, CSP
Associated Safety Consultants, Inc.
9613 Interline Ave., Ste. D
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Re: Whether 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) and §1926.1053(a)(19) apply to an attachable ladder used on scaffolding.

Dear Mr. Frenzel: