For starters prior to the new ruling the only real guidance on fixed ladders came from the construction standards osha more 1926 1053 a 18 required the use of cages wells ladder safety devices or self retracting lifelines for fixed ladders of 24 feet or more.
Caged ladder standards.
Figure d 2 slide step fixed ladder sections.
Osha requires a cage when the distance from the floor to the top rung is more than 20 feet.
The 3 4 inch diameter ladder rungs are spaced 12 inches on center and welded to the 2 5 inch wide side rails.
Fixed ladder that is designed to surround the climbing space of the ladder.
Cages must extend 42 inches above the top of the landing.
The ladder of steel construction is exactly 24 feet in height 18 inches in width and terminated at the roof scuttle.
American national standards for ladders fixed safety requirements the safety standard for fixed ladders contains an entire section devoted to these enclosures.
Note to paragraph d.
Here are the basics of the requirements.
Section 1910 28 establishes the employer s duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders and 1910 29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders.
What s changed for fixed ladder standards under osha 1910.
Fixed ladders provide stability when ascending to an elevated work surface because they are fastened to the building or a secure surface.
The regulations say that if a fixed ladder is taller than 20 feet you are required to have a cage which meets all the requirements of 29 cfr 1910 27 d.
1910 28 b 9 ii b ladders with cages must now have a landing platform at maximum inter.
A cage or well on a fixed ladder prevents lateral movement containing the individual climbing the ladder and offering the comfort of a surrounding safeguard.
Previously a fixed ladder with a cage required a landing platform at a maximum interval of 30 feet.
Ladder and cage come unassembled for mounting flexibility and lower freight costs.
A cage also is called a cage guard or basket guard osha carrier.
Figure d 3 example of counterbalanced hatch cover at roof.
Cages start between 7 and 8 feet from the ground and extend beyond the top rung by 42 with a walk through exit.
Optional security cover prevents unauthorized access.
The new regulations change this requirement dramatically.
Fixed ladders without cages must now have a landing platform at maximum intervals of 150 feet.
In the past osha has required cages for fixed ladders taller than 20 feet but as of january 2017 fall protection is required on fixed ladders.
The track of a ladder safety system that consists of a flexible cable or rigid rail attached to the fixed ladder or immediately adjacent to it osha.
It covers five rungs and is secured by two hooks at.
