1926.1053(b): Rules for using ladders on construction sites

(b) Use. The following requirements apply to the use of all ladders, including job-made ladders, except as otherwise indicated: 10,146 citations

(1) When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support. Open (b)(1) 6,588 citations

(2) Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. 5 citations

(3) Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. Open (b)(3) 19 citations

(4) Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Open (b)(4) 910 citations

(5) Open (b)(5) 223 citations

(i) Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). Open (b)(5)(i) 220 citations

(ii) Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder. 3 citations

(iii) Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder. Open (b)(5)(iii)

(6) Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. Open (b)(6) 244 citations

(7) Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery. Open (b)(7) 46 citations

(8) Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder. Open (b)(8) 56 citations

(9) The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. Open (b)(9) 116 citations

(10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment. Open (b)(10) 58 citations

(11) Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied. 8 citations

(12) Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in § 1926.955(b) and (c) of this part. Open (b)(12) 41 citations

(13) The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. Open (b)(13) 947 citations

(14) Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless the ladders are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections. 8 citations

(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Open (b)(15) 139 citations

(16) Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. Open (b)(16) 382 citations

(17) Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is either: Open (b)(17) 12 citations

(i) Immediately tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, 2 citations

(ii) Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective;

(iii) Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs).

(18) Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before the ladder is returned to use. 4 citations

(19) Single-rail ladders shall not be used. 3 citations

(20) When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder. Open (b)(20) 38 citations

(21) Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. Open (b)(21) 41 citations

(22) An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. Open (b)(22) 258 citations

[55 FR 47687, Nov. 14, 1990; 56 FR 2585, Jan. 23, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 41794, Aug. 23, 1991; 79 FR 20743, Apr. 11, 2014]