1926.1053(a)(3): Rung Spacing for Construction Ladders
Employers must make sure rungs, cleats and steps of portable and fixed ladders are spaced not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart between centerlines. Step stools must be not less than 8 and not more than 12 inches apart; extension trestle ladder base sections not less than 8 nor more than 18 inches; and their extension sections not less than 6 nor more than 12 inches.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $40,130 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (2), PR (2), IN (1).
- 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)(3) 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
(3) 10 citations
(i) Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders (except as provided below) and fixed ladders (including individual-rung/step ladders) shall be spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart, nor more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. Open (a)(3)(i) 10 citations
(ii) Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools shall be not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart, nor more than 12 inches (31 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
(iii) Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. The rung spacing on the extension section of the extension trestle ladder shall be not less than 6 inches (15 cm) nor more than 12 inches (31 cm), as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TX (2), PR (2), IN (1), MS (1), TN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
| URBAN CONCRETE CONTRACTORS, LTD. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $9,000 |
| MISLA BUILDERS LLC | PONCE, PR | $5,958 |
| FRANKLIN RODRIGUEZ | CHICAGO, IL | $3,972 |
| REYES FRAMING CONSTRUCTION | HASLET, TX | $2,979 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(a)(3).
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)(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
- 1926.1053(a)(6) 2 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
What is the rung spacing for portable and fixed ladders?
Not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart, measured between centerlines.
What is the spacing for step stools?
Not less than 8 inches and not more than 12 inches apart, measured between centerlines.
What about extension trestle ladders?
The base section must be not less than 8 nor more than 18 inches apart, and the extension section not less than 6 nor more than 12 inches.
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.