(1) You must meet the requirements of this section as it applies to all portable ladders, including job-made ladders for temporary use, unless otherwise specified.

(2) You must meet the standards for existing manufactured portable ladders as follows:

(a) Rungs of manufactured portable ladders obtained before October 3, 1983, must be capable of supporting a two hundred pound (890 N) load without deformation.

(b) Rungs must be evenly spaced from nine to sixteen and one-half inches (22.9 to 41.9 cm), center to center.

(c) Rungs must be continuous members between rails. Each rung of a double-rung ladder (two side rails and a center rail) must extend the full width of the ladder.

(d) Width between side rails at the base of the ladder must be at least twelve inches (30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05 m) or less in overall length, and must increase at least one-fourth inch (0.64 cm) for each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder length.

(3) You must make sure manufactured portable ladders obtained after October 3, 1983, bear identification indicating that they meet the appropriate ladder construction requirements of the following standards:

(a) ANSI A14.1-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Wood Ladders

(b) ANSI A14.2-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders

(4) You must meet these standards for job-made portable ladders:

(a) Have a minimum and uniform distance between rungs of twelve inches (30.48 cm), center to center;

(b) Be capable of supporting a two hundred fifty pound (1112 N) load without deformation; and

(c) Have a minimum width between side rails of twelve inches (30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05 m) in height. Width between rails must increase at least one-fourth inch (0.64 cm) for each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder length.

(5) You must meet the following requirements for maintenance and inspection:

(a) You must maintain portable ladders in safe condition. Ladders with the following defects must not be used and either must be tagged as unusable if kept on the premises or must be removed from the worksite:

(i) Broken, split or missing rungs, cleats, or steps;

(ii) Broken or split side rails;

(iii) Missing or loose bolts, rivets, or fastenings;

(iv) Defective ropes; or

(v) Any other structural defect.

(b) Ladders must be inspected for defects prior to each day's use, and after any occurrence, such as a fall, which could damage the ladder.

(6) You must meet the following requirements for ladder usage:

(a) Ladders made by fastening rungs or devices across a single rail are prohibited.

(b) Ladders must not be used:

(i) As guys, braces, or skids; or

(ii) As platforms, runways, or scaffolds.

(c) Metal and wire-reinforced ladders with wooden side rails must not be used when employees on the ladder might come into contact with energized electrical conductors.

(d) Individual sections from different multisectional ladders or two or more single straight ladders must not be tied or fastened together to achieve additional length.

(e) Except for combination ladders, self-supporting ladders must not be used as single straight ladders.

(f) Unless intended for cantilever operation, nonself-supporting ladders must not be used to climb above the top support point.

(g) Ladders must extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m) above the upper support level if employees are to leave or mount the ladder at that level, except that where such extension is impractical other equivalent means such as grab bars may be used to provide a hand grip.

(h) Ladders must be securely positioned on a level and firm base.

(i) Ladders must be fitted with slip-resistant bases and secured at top or bottom to prevent the ladder from slipping.

(j) Ladders must be placed so that employees climbing are not exposed to injury from projecting objects or doors that open toward the ladder.

PDFWAC 296-56-60211

Portable ladders.