1926.1053(a)(19): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(19) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $62,980 in current penalties.
- 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)(19) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(19) Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), fixed ladders shall be equipped with one of the following: 3 citations
(i) Ladder safety devices; or Open (a)(19)(i)
(ii) Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m); or Open (a)(19)(ii)
(iii) A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m) in length. Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m). Open (a)(19)(iii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(19), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of fixed ladders constructed prior to the effective date of 29 CFR 1926 - Subpart X. (2006-09-05)
- Whether 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) and 1926.1053(a)(19) apply to an attachable ladder used on scaffolding. (2006-04-25)
- Compliance of automatically retractable rest platforms used with self-retracting lifelines for meeting requirements for fixed ladder safety equipment. (2004-12-06)
- Fall protection requirements for fixed and portable ladders in construction. (2000-01-13)
- Maintenance vs. construction; working from fixed ladders. (1999-05-11)
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)(6) 2 citations
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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.