The OSHA rules specify when stairways and ladders must be provided. The rules do not apply to ladders that are specifically manufactured for getting to and from scaffold working platforms, but do apply to job-made and manufactured portable ladders intended for general purpose use and which are then used for scaffold ladders.
#1 Ladder use—When portable ladders are used to get to an upper surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. If this is not possible because of the ladder’s length, it must be secured at the top to a rigid support and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, must be provided to assist in getting on and off the ladder. The extension must never be so short that ladder deflection under a load will cause it to slip off its support.
#2 Stairrails and handrails—Stairways having 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, must be equipped with: (1) at least one handrail, and (2) one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the top edge must not be more than 37 inches nor less than 36 inches from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.
#3 Ladders must only be used for the purpose for which they were designed—§1926.1053(b)(4)
#4 Access points—A stairway or ladder must be provided at all employee points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.
#5 Training—As necessary, your employer must provide a training program for employees that use ladders and stairways. The program must enable you to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and must train you in the procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards.
You must be trained by your company’s competent person.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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