1910.23(e)(3): Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(e)(3) 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 $5,044 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)(3) ("Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms") is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 4 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
(3) Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms. The employer must ensure: 6 citations
(i) Steps of mobile ladder stand platforms meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section. When the employer demonstrates that the requirement is not feasible, steeper slopes or vertical rung ladders may be used, provided the units are stabilized to prevent overturning; Open (e)(3)(i)
(ii) Mobile ladder stand platforms with a platform height of 4 to 10 feet (1.2 m to 3 m) have, in the platform area, handrails with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm) and midrails; and Open (e)(3)(ii) 6 citations
(iii) All ladder stand platforms with a platform height above 10 feet (3 m) have guardrails and toeboards on the exposed sides and ends of the platform. Open (e)(3)(iii)
(iv) Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used on mobile ladder stand platforms instead of handrails and guardrails in special-use applications. Open (e)(3)(iv)
[81 FR 82981, Nov. 18, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 68795, Dec. 17, 2019]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(e)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements of Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms Used to Access CNC Machines (2024-06-06)
- Spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. (2014-08-26)
- Requirements for Guardrail systems (2013-06-21)
- The diameter of standard pipe railings. (1976-01-21)
- Clarification of the 200 pounds strength requirement for railings. (1975-12-03)
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)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(e)(2) Design requirements for mobile ladder stands 3 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)
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.
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.