1910.23(d)(13)(ii): Climbing Clearance on Fixed Ladders
Fixed ladders must have at least 30 inches (76 cm) of perpendicular clearance from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. At unavoidable obstructions, this may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm) if deflector plates are installed. Fall protection on fixed ladders is covered by 1910.28 and 1910.29.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(d)(13)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $15,386 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders (114 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(d)(13)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed (see Figure D-5 of this section). 6 citations
Section 1910.28 establishes the employer's duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders, and § 1910.29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(d)(13)(ii).
At 4:50 a.m. on January 13, 2024, Employee #1 (a 30-year-old male) was working at the bottom of a pit, while molten metal was poured from a ladle maneuvered bya crane above into a casting. Unexpectedly, the ladle became stuck in the open position, spilling…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(d)(13)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(d)(13)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders 114 citations
- 1910.23(d)(7) 37 citations
- 1910.23(d)(4) 28 citations
- 1910.23(d)(2) 17 citations
- 1910.23(d)(13) 10 citations
- 1910.23(d)(1) 5 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How much clearance is needed on the climbing side?
A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object.
Can the clearance ever be less?
At unavoidable obstructions it may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed.
Where are fall protection rules for fixed ladders?
In 1910.28 and 1910.29.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.23 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.