COUNT THE RUNGS AND CHECK THE TOTAL HEIGHT
- To quickly gauge a ladder’s height, count the number of rungs. If there are 24 rungs or more, this means it’s at least 24 feet and the standard applies
- Consider the height of the ladder AND the height of the system you’re attaching for safety; regulation states any ladder over 24 feet is applicable
IS YOUR LADDER FIXED OR NON-FIXED?
- Fixed ladders require fall protection over a certain height
- For non-fixed ladders, no fall protection is required but there must be three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand, for example)
IS THERE A METAL CAGE SURROUNDING YOUR LADDER?
- Depending on type of fall protection system used it may be necessary to remove the existing cage to ensure cage does not interfere with safe operation of fall protection system, OSHA Regulation 1910.28(b)(9)(iv)
ARE YOU REPAIRING OR REPLACING A RUNG? DOING MAINTENANCE ON THE CURRENT LADDER?
- a. Requires if any modification to an existing ladder system is completed (i.e. repairing/replacing a damaged rung), the entire ladder system must be updated to adhere to the OSHA 1910.23 regulation
NEW LADDER SYSTEMS BEING INSTALLED MUST MEET THE REGULATION
YOU NEED GUARDRAILS OR FALL PROTECTION AT THE TOP OF EACH LADDER SYSTEM
- Depending upon the distance workers travel away from the ladder system, it will determine whether separate anchor points and fall protection is needed
Read full article:
Ladder checklist OHSA Facts (.pdf)