1910.333(c)(7): Nonconductive Portable Ladders
Employers must make sure portable ladders have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(c)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $32,163 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), AL (1), MD (1).
- Related part: 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts (200 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(c)(7) ("Portable ladders") is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(7) Portable ladders. Portable ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TX (3), AL (1), MD (1), SC (1), HI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DUDLEY LUMBER COMPANY, INC. | SALEM, AL | $10,372 |
| PMW TRICOUNTY LLC | CINCINNATI, OH | $7,448 |
| MALAMA SOLAR LLC | LAIE, HI | $4,965 |
| GLADU ROOFING COMPANY, INC. | AUBURN, ME | $2,780 |
| 76297 - PEDRAZA CONSTRUCTION LLC | NORTH CHARLESTON, SC | $2,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(c)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(c)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(c) Working on or near exposed energized parts 200 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3) Overhead lines 110 citations
- 1910.333(c)(2) Work on energized equipment 61 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i) Unqualified persons 46 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(A) 36 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii) Vehicular and mechanical equipment 27 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(iii)(A) 26 citations
- 1910.333(c)(6) Conductive materials and equipment 10 citations
- 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(B) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When are nonconductive ladders required?
When the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts.
What part of the ladder must be nonconductive?
The siderails.
Can I use an aluminum ladder near live parts?
Not where you or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts; the siderails must be nonconductive.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (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 2026-10-22
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.