1926.1053(a)(17): Side Clearance for Fixed Ladders
Fixed ladders without cages or wells must have a clear width to the nearest permanent object of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the centerline of the ladder.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(17) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $3,871 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1053(a) General (99 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(17) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). 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
(17) Fixed ladders without cages or wells shall have a clear width to the nearest permanent object of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the centerline of the ladder. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(a)(17).
At 10:00 a.m. on July 26, 2024, an employee working for a mechanical contractor was assisting with the installation of a 12-ton HVAC unit in the middle of a two-story building. The employee climbed a ladder to take water bottles to the work area on…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(a) General 99 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1) 27 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(2) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(7) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(8) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) 8 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(24) 7 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(13) 3 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(19) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How much side clearance is needed?
At least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the centerline of the ladder.
Which ladders does this apply to?
Fixed ladders without cages or wells.
What is measured?
The clear width from the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1053 (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 2026-10-20
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.