1926.955: Portable Ladders and Platforms for Line Work
Subpart X ladder rules apply to power line work, with listed exceptions for special ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors. Those must support at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load, not be loaded beyond their design working loads, be secured from dislodging, and be used only as designed. Portable metal or conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lines, except in specialized high-voltage work where nonconductive ladders are shown more hazardous.
Key takeaways
- 1926.955 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $14,181 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.955, "Portable ladders and platforms", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart V). It has 7 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.955 (7 paragraphs)
(a) General. Requirements for portable ladders contained in subpart X of this part apply in addition to the requirements of this section, except as specifically noted in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Special ladders and platforms. Portable ladders used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet § 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) and (b)(12). Portable ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Design load. In the configurations in which they are used, portable platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load.
(2) Maximum load. Portable ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed.
(3) Securing in place. Portable ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent them from becoming dislodged.
(4) Intended use. Portable ladders and platforms may be used only in applications for which they are designed.
(c) Conductive ladders. Portable metal ladders and other portable conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lines or equipment. However, in specialized high-voltage work, conductive ladders shall be used when the employer demonstrates that nonconductive ladders would present a greater hazard to employees than conductive ladders. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Minimum approach distances to insulated power lines by construction workers working close to, but not on, the lines. (2001-07-18)
- Suitable protective equipment. (1997-04-15)
- Interpretation on 1926.955 (1984-09-06)
- Working between grounds when working on bare conductors. (1978-09-21)
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Frequently asked questions
How strong must a portable platform for line work be?
It must support without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load, in the configurations used.
Can metal ladders be used near energized lines?
No, except in specialized high-voltage work where the employer shows nonconductive ladders would be more hazardous.
Must ladders and platforms be secured?
Yes. They shall be secured to prevent them from becoming dislodged.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.955 (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 2026-10-19
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.