1910.23(e)(2): Design requirements for mobile ladder stands
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(e)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $4,080 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1910.23(e) Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms (54 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(e)(2) ("Design requirements for mobile ladder stands") is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). 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
(2) Design requirements for mobile ladder stands. The employer must ensure: 3 citations
(i) Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). The slope of the step stringer to which the steps are attached must not be more than 60 degrees, measured from the horizontal; Open (e)(2)(i) 3 citations
(ii) Mobile ladder stands with a top step height above 10 feet (3 m) have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm); and top steps that are 20 inches (51 cm) or more, front to back, have a midrail and toeboard. Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special-use applications; and
(iii) The standing area of mobile ladder stands is within the base frame.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements of Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms Used to Access CNC Machines (2024-06-06)
- Clarification of OSHA requirements pertaining to winding stairway systems. (2010-06-15)
- Conditions under which a stair railing can also serve as a handrail. (2005-09-14)
- Stair rail height must be between 30-34 inches. (1999-11-09)
- Clarification of apparent discrepancy in height requirements for stair and hand railings. (1999-03-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(e) Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms 54 citations
- 1910.23(e)(1) General requirements 45 citations
- 1910.23(e)(1)(vii) 19 citations
- 1910.23(e)(1)(viii) 10 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3) Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms 6 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(e)(2)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3)(iv)
- 1910.23(e)(3)(iii)
- 1910.23(e)(1)(i)
- 1910.23(e)(3)(i)
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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.