ANSI/OSHA Ladder Requirements

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Introduction
Ladders come in all shapes, sizes and material types. They are useful in many different industries for a variety of applications. This document will give you an overview of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for portable ladders, along with tips for proper ladder usage.

OSHA Regulatory Requirements
OSHA has separate regulations for portable wood ladders and portable metal ladders.

Portable Wood Ladders
29 CFR 1910.25 addresses wood ladders, and is divided into application, materials, construction requirements, and ladder care and usage. This regulation applies to common wood ladders and not to specialty ladders such as shelf ladders, extension ladders, fruit picker's ladders, stepladders or library ladders.

Wood ladders should be constructed of a high-density wood that is free of sharp edges and splinters. Visual inspection should reveal no decay, irregularities including shake, wane and compression failures, or other weaknesses. Construction requirements include ladder length restrictions (see Table #1) and step spacing. Uniform step spacing must not exceed 12".

Table #1

Care and usage requirements ensure the serviceability and safety of portable wood ladders. Ladders should be maintained in good condition by keeping all joints tight; lubricating all wheels, locks and pulleys; replacing worn rope; and routine cleaning. Those that are defective must be destroyed or withdrawn from service. Usage requirements involve placing the ladders at an angle so they are one foot away from the wall for every four feet of working ladder height (see Figure #1); allowing only one person at a time on a ladder; not placing the ladder on top of other objects to increase height or in front of doorways; and extending the ladder three feet over a point of support if climbing to a rooftop among others.

Figure #1:
Angle of Inclination
Make sure the ladder is about 1 foot away from the vertical support for every 4 feet of ladder height between the foot and the top support.

Portable Metal Ladders
29 CFR 1910.26 addresses metal ladders, and is divided into general requirements and care and maintenance. The general requirements call for ladders that are free of sharp edges and are structurally sound. Metal ladders must have rungs that are knurled, dimpled or treated to improve slip resistance. OSHA also places ladder length restrictions on portable metal ladders (see Table #2). Uniform step spacing must not exceed 12".

Proper care and maintenance of portable metal ladders extends ladder life and improves user safety. If a ladder tips over, it must be inspected for damage (bends or dents, loose rivets or joints, etc.) and if defective, must be marked and taken out of service for repair. Ladders must be kept clean so they do not become slippery. Portable metal ladders are designed for use by only one person, a 200-lb. load capacity, secure footing, and support for both top rails. Like wooden ladders, metal ladders must be placed at an angle so they are one foot away from the wall for every four feet of working ladder height (see Figure #1).

Fiberglass Ladders

OSHA does not address fiberglass ladders. ANSI does have guidelines to follow when choosing ladders constructed of fiberglass. According to ANSI 14.5 2000, fiberglass ladders should be made out of good commercial grade thermosetting polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers. The folowing selections need to be considered and followed:

1. electrical
2. corrosion resistnace
3. outdoor weathering
4. thermal conditions
5. structural integrity

ANSI Standards
ANSI consensus standards on portable ladders include ANSI A14.1-2000 for wood ladders, ANSI A14.2-2000 for metal ladders and ANSI A14.5-1982 for reinforced plastic ladders. These standards detail specifications on the various materials, construction requirements, test requirements, usage guidelines and labeling/marking requirements for portable ladders.

ANSI recommends various species of wood that are suitable for ladders. Physical characteristics such as grain, knot, pitch and compression must be controlled in the construction of ladders. Reinforced plastic ladders must use fully cured, commercial-grade thermosetting polyester resin with glass fiber reinforcement. The type of material to be used is determined by the environment the finished ladder will encounter (electrical hazards, temperature extremes, corrosion, outdoor weathering, etc.). Metal ladders do not have material guidelines.

Test requirements for the three ladder materials vary. However, ladders are generally evaluated on their resistance to bending, strength in various positions and the quality of the individual components that make up the ladder.

Construction requirements include weight and size categories for portable ladders. The four ladder types and their duty ratings are shown in Table #3. Size categories vary for wood, metal and reinforced plastic materials, ladder types, and ladder designs (stepladder, extension ladder, platform ladder, etc.).

Usage guidelines for portable ladders encompass selecting the proper ladder for the job being performed; inspecting prior to use to verify proper operation and cleanliness; evaluating ladder placement so that footing and top supports are secure and not creating a traffic hazard for pedestrians; utilizing proper climbing technique; and caring for and storing ladders.

Ladders must be marked with ladder size, type, maximum length, number of sections (if appropriate), highest standing level, total length of sections (if applicable), model number, manufacturer's name, manufacturer's location, and date of manufacture. Usage guidelines and other warning statements must also be placed on the ladders in specific locations depending on ladder type.

Table #2

Table #3

Ladder Usage

Proper Procedure
Before working with a ladder for the first time, read the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use ladder if sleepy or ill, if you are taking medication, or if bad weather conditions exist. Do not use ladders in doorways or other high traffic areas. If a ladder must be used near a door, make sure the door is locked. If the door has to be open or the ladder is in a raised position, ask a coworker to stay with the ladder to make sure an accident does not occur. Use fiberglass or wood ladders, rather than metal, near power lines or other sources of electricity to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Inspection
According to ANSI A14.1-2000, a ladder should be thoroughly inspected each time it is used. Rungs should be firm and unbroken, braces fastened securely, and ropes, pulleys and other moving parts in good working order. If an inspection reveals damage, the ladder should be repaired. If repairs are not feasible, the defective ladder should be taken out of service and a new ladder used in its place. To ensure that ladders are being inspected, ladder inspection tags can be filled out and attached to the ladder.

Proper Setup
The feet of a ladder should be level and positioned solidly on the ground. If the ground is soft or uneven, use boards under the legs for support. Test the ladder to verify it is secure. For stability, both sides of the ladder need to be against the wall or other support. The legs on a stepladder should be spread fully and locked into position. As stated in the regulatory requirements above, ladders should be placed at a 75 degree angle.

How to Climb
Make sure hands, shoes and ladder rungs are dry; use a second person to hold the bottom of the ladder and prevent others from disturbing ladder; keep a three-point grip on the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet); avoid distractions that make you turn away from the front of the ladder; climb slowly with weight centered between side rails; do not lean back; and never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder or top four rungs of an extension ladder.

The OSHA regulations for portable ladders and their construction and inspection requirements can be found at 1917.119.

Commonly Asked Questions

Sources for More Information

29 CFR 1910.25, Portable Wood Ladders

29 CFR 1910.26, Portable Metal Ladders

29 CFR 1910.27, Fixed Ladders

29 CFR 1917.119, Portable Ladders

ANSI A14.1-2000, Portable Wood Ladder Safety Requirements

ANSI A14.2-2000, Portable Metal Ladder Safety Requirements

ANSI A14.5-2000, Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladder Safety Requirements

California OSHA website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.