Ladder load requirements

Under 1926.1053(a)(1)(i) a self-supporting portable ladder must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load (except extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders, which must sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load). This requirement is measured by applying the load in a downward vertical direction; ladders built and tested in conformity with Appendix A are deemed to meet the requirement. See 1926.1053(a)(1)(i).

Under 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) a portable ladder that is not self-supporting must sustain at least four times the maximum intended load (except extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders, which must sustain at least 3.3 times). The ability to sustain those loads is determined by applying the load in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75½ degrees from the horizontal. See 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii) fixed ladders must be able to support at least two concentrated loads of 250 pounds each located between any two consecutive attachments (plus additional concentrated loads as determined from anticipated usage and environmental or impact loads). In addition, each step or rung must support a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds applied at the middle of the step or rung. See 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(2) ladder rungs, cleats, and steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. This ensures predictable footing and reduces trip or slip hazards. See 1926.1053(a)(2).

Under 1926.1053(a)(3): (a) Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders (except where noted) and fixed ladders shall be spaced not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches between centerlines. (b) Step stools shall have spacing not less than 8 inches and not more than 12 inches between centerlines. (c) For extension trestle ladders, the base section rungs must be 8 to 18 inches apart, and the extension section rungs must be 6 to 12 inches apart (all measurements between centerlines). See 1926.1053(a)(3)(i)–(iii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(4) the minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). Under 1926.1053(a)(4)(ii) the minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). See 1926.1053(a)(4) and 1926.1053(a)(4)(ii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(5) rungs of individual-rung/step ladders must be shaped so that employees' feet cannot slide off the end of the rungs. The intent is to reduce the risk of a foot slipping past the rung end and causing a fall. See 1926.1053(a)(5).

Under 1926.1053(a)(6) the rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, and of portable metal ladders generally, must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. This requirement applies to portable metal ladders as well as newer fixed metal ladders. See 1926.1053(a)(6)(i)–(ii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(7) ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use. In other words, do not splice or lash ladders together for extra length unless the ladder manufacturer or design explicitly permits it. See 1926.1053(a)(7).

Under 1926.1053(a)(8) each stepladder must have a metal spreader or locking device that holds the front and back sections in an open position while the ladder is being used. This prevents accidental collapse or closing of the ladder while someone is on it. See 1926.1053(a)(8).

Under 1926.1053(a)(9) when splicing is required to obtain a given length of side rail, the resulting side rail must be at least equivalent in strength to a one-piece side rail made of the same material. In short, spliced rails must be as strong as an unspliced, single-piece rail. See 1926.1053(a)(9).

Under 1926.1053(a)(10) when two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, they must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders (except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders where the fixed ladder bottom is elevated to limit access). Also note that requirements for guardrail systems with toeboards on platforms and landings are set in Subpart M. See 1926.1053(a)(10).

Under 1926.1053(a)(11) ladder components must be surfaced to prevent injury from punctures or lacerations and to prevent clothing snagging. Under 1926.1053(a)(12) wood ladders shall not be coated with any opaque covering except for identification or warning labels, which may be placed on one face only of a side rail. See 1926.1053(a)(11) and 1926.1053(a)(12).

Under 1926.1053(a)(13) the minimum perpendicular clearance between fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps and any obstruction behind the ladder is 7 inches (except elevator pit ladders where 4½ inches is allowed). Under 1926.1053(a)(14) the minimum perpendicular clearance from the centerline of rungs to any obstruction on the climbing side is 30 inches, except as provided in paragraph (a)(15). Under 1926.1053(a)(15) when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, that climbing-side clearance may be reduced to 24 inches provided a deflection device is installed to guide employees around the obstruction. See 1926.1053(a)(13), 1926.1053(a)(14), and 1926.1053(a)(15).

Under 1926.1053(a)(16) through fixed ladders at their point of access/egress shall have a step-across distance of not less than 7 inches nor more than 12 inches measured from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest edge of the landing area. If the normal step-across distance exceeds 12 inches, a landing platform must be provided to reduce the distance to within the specified limit. See 1926.1053(a)(16).

Under 1926.1053(a)(17) fixed ladders without cages or wells must have a clear width to the nearest permanent object of at least 15 inches on each side of the centerline of the ladder. Under 1926.1053(a)(18) fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet above lower levels. See 1926.1053(a)(17) and 1926.1053(a)(18).

Under 1926.1053(a)(19) fixed ladders with a total climb length equal to or exceeding 24 feet must be equipped with one of the following: (a) ladder safety devices; (b) self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet; or (c) a cage or well with multiple ladder sections, each not to exceed 50 feet, with sections offset and landing platforms at maximum intervals of 50 feet. See 1926.1053(a)(19)(i)–(iii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(20) cages for fixed ladders must meet all listed construction elements: horizontal bands fastened to side rails (or structure) with vertical bars on the inside fastened to those bands; cages must extend not less than 27 inches nor more than 30 inches from the centerline of the step or rung (excluding flare) and be at least 27 inches wide; the inside must be clear of projections; horizontal bands must be spaced not more than 4 feet on center; vertical bars must be spaced not more than 9½ inches on center; and the bottom of the cage must be 7 to 8 feet above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder. See 1926.1053(a)(20)(i)–(vii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(20) the bottom of the cage must be flared at least 4 inches all around within the distance between the bottom horizontal band and the next higher band, and the top of the cage shall be a minimum of 42 inches above the top of the platform or point of access at the top of the ladder, with provision for access to the platform or point of access. See 1926.1053(a)(20)(viii) and 1926.1053(a)(20)(vii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(21) wells for fixed ladders must completely encircle the ladder, be free of projections, extend 27 to 30 inches from the centerline of the step or rung on the climbing side, have an inside clear width of at least 30 inches, and have the bottom of the wall on the access side start 7 to 8 feet above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder. See 1926.1053(a)(21)(i)–(v).

Under 1926.1053(a)(22) ladder safety devices and related support systems for fixed ladders must pass an 18-inch drop test of a 500-pound weight without failure; permit the user to ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push or pull any part of the device (leaving both hands free for climbing); be activated within 2 feet after a fall and limit descending velocity to 7 feet/sec or less; and have the connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body belt or harness not exceed 9 inches in length. See 1926.1053(a)(22)(i)–(iv).

Under 1926.1053(a)(23) mountings for rigid carriers must be attached at each end of the carrier with intermediate mountings as necessary along the full length to provide the strength necessary to stop employees' falls; mountings for flexible carriers must be attached at each end of the carrier. See 1926.1053(a)(23)(i)–(ii).

Under 1926.1053(a)(1) yes — ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of Appendix A of Subpart X will be deemed to meet the load requirements specified in paragraph (a)(1). That means use of the Appendix A tests and construction criteria is an allowed way to demonstrate compliance. See 1926.1053(a)(1).

Yes — employers must assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present that require PPE, and where PPE will be required they must prepare a written certification of the hazard assessment. OSHA's PPE standard and related guidance require an employer to evaluate hazards and document the assessment when PPE is necessary; see the OSHA interpretation on PPE hazard assessment at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 and consult 29 CFR 1910.132 for the regulatory text. For ladder work, perform the hazard assessment before assigning PPE to ensure proper selection (e.g., fall protection harnesses, gloves, footwear) and retain the written certification as required. See OSHA's PPE interpretation https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28.

Under 1926.1053(a)(10) ladders that are offset with a platform or landing must use platforms that meet guardrail and toeboard requirements where falling-object or overhead protection is needed; those guardrail/toeboard requirements are set forth in Subpart M of Part 1926. In other words, when you provide a landing between ladders, ensure the landing complies with the guardrail and toeboard rules in [Subpart M] by consulting 1926.1053(a)(10) and the fall protection standards in 1926.

Under 1926.1053(a)(15) if unavoidable obstructions reduce the perpendicular clearance on the climbing side to 24 inches, a deflection device must be installed to guide employees around the obstruction. The deflection device preserves a safer route for hands-and-feet while climbing despite the reduced clearance. See 1926.1053(a)(15).

Under 1926.1053(a)(19)(ii) when self-retracting lifelines are used they must be accompanied by rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet. Under 1926.1053(a)(19)(iii) when a cage or well is used, ladder sections must not exceed 50 feet in length, sections must be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms must be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet. See 1926.1053(a)(19)(ii)–(iii).

Yes — conveyances operating as temporary or suspended platforms (for example, conveyances suspended by temporary cables or using temporary hoist machines) meet the definition of suspended scaffolds and are subject to the scaffold safety standard in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L; fall protection for these configurations must meet 1926.451(g) and falling object protection must meet [1926.451(h)]. See OSHA's interpretation clarifying that many temporary conveyance configurations are considered suspended scaffolds in https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-12-05 and consult 1926 for the scaffold and fall-protection requirements.

No — ladders must not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load or the manufacturer's rated capacity. Employers and users must ensure that the combined weight of the user plus tools and materials does not exceed the ladder's rated capacity; this is required by 1926.1053(b)(3).

• Check the ladder label or manufacturer documentation for the rated capacity before use.
• If you need to carry heavy materials, use mechanical means or a platform rated for the load rather than overloading a ladder.

A portable ladder intended for access must extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface, or be secured at the top and provided with a grasping device if that 3-foot extension isn't possible. This is required by 1926.1053(b)(1).

• If the ladder cannot extend 3 feet because of its length, secure the ladder at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect.
• Provide a grabrail or similar device to help employees mount and dismount the ladder when the 3-foot extension is not possible.
• Ensure ladder deflection under load will not cause the ladder to slip off its support.

The side rails of through or side-step fixed ladders must extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. This requirement is in 1926.1053(a)(24).

• For parapet ladders, if the parapet is cut to permit passage, the roof is the access level; if the parapet is continuous, the top of the parapet is the access level.

For through-fixed-ladder extensions, steps or rungs must be omitted and the side rails flared to provide 24–30 inches (61–76 cm) of clearance between the side rails; if ladder safety devices are used, the maximum clearance can be 36 inches (91 cm), and mountings/cable guides must not reduce the ladder's design strength. These provisions are in 1926.1053(a)(25) and 1926.1053(a)(23)(iii).

• Extension rungs/steps must be omitted (no climbable rungs on the extension) so users have handhold continuation only.
• Side rails of the extension must be flared to give 24–30 in (61–76 cm) clearance; if a ladder safety device is present, the maximum clearance is 36 in (91 cm).
• Any mountings or cable guides (for wind protection or carriers) must be designed and installed so they do not weaken the ladder’s rated strength.

For side-step fixed ladder extensions, the side rails and the steps or rungs must be continuous into the extension. This is required by 1926.1053(a)(26).

• Do not omit steps or splice the rails in the extension for side-step ladders; continuity helps ensure a secure climb and consistent hand/foot placements.

Individual-rung/step ladders must extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above an access level or landing platform, except where the access opening is covered with a manhole cover or hatch; the extension may be by continuing rung spacings as horizontal grab bars or by providing vertical grab bars with the same lateral spacing as the rung legs. This requirement is stated in 1926.1053(a)(27).

• If the access opening is normally covered (manhole/hatch), this extension requirement does not apply.
• Grab bars (horizontal or vertical) must match the ladder spacing to provide safe transition from ladder to landing.

Ladders must be kept free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. This is required by 1926.1053(b)(2).

• Clean ladders of contaminants before use and store them so they do not accumulate grease or oil.
• Inspect rungs and steps for slippery residues and remove them before climbing.

Non-self-supporting ladders must be used at an angle where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot is approximately one-quarter of the ladder's working length; wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails must use an angle with a horizontal distance of one-eighth the working length; fixed ladders must be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from horizontal. These rules are in 1926.1053(b)(5)(i), 1926.1053(b)(5)(ii), and 1926.1053(b)(5)(iii).

• For most portable ladders, use the 4-to-1 rule (base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of working length).
• For wood job-made ladders with spliced rails, use a steeper 8-to-1 ratio.
• Fixed ladders may be vertical (90°) but not beyond that angle.

Ladders may be used on unstable or slippery surfaces only if they are secured to prevent accidental displacement or provided with slip-resistant feet; however, slip-resistant feet are not a substitute for careful placement, lashing, or holding on slippery surfaces. See 1926.1053(b)(6) and 1926.1053(b)(7).

• On surfaces like flat metal or concrete that can become slippery, secure the ladder or use additional measures (barricade, spotter) rather than relying solely on slip-resistant feet.
• Always place ladders so they cannot slide or shift under expected loads.

When a ladder is placed where workplace activities or traffic can displace it (such as passageways, doorways, or driveways), it must be secured to prevent accidental displacement or the area must be barricaded to keep activities and traffic away from the ladder, as required by 1926.1053(b)(8).

• Use tie-offs, ladder stands, or other securements if placement in a traffic area is unavoidable.
• If securing is not feasible, set up barricades and warning signs to keep people and vehicles away from the ladder.

Keep the area around both the top and bottom of ladders clear; place the top of a non-self-supporting ladder so both rails are supported equally (unless it has a single support attachment); and do not move, shift, or extend ladders while they are occupied. These requirements are in 1926.1053(b)(9), 1926.1053(b)(10), and 1926.1053(b)(11).

• Clear tools, debris, and materials away from ladder bases and landings to prevent trips or ladder displacement.
• Ensure non-self-supporting ladders rest with both rails equally supported, unless designed otherwise.

Ladders must have nonconductive side rails when they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in 1926.955(b) and 1926.955(c). This requirement is in 1926.1053(b)(12).

• Use fiberglass or other nonconductive ladders near exposed energized parts unless an exception in 1926.955(b)–(c) applies (see those sections for specific conditions that may allow a conductive ladder).
• Even when exceptions apply, take measures to prevent contact with energized equipment (insulation, guarding, de-energizing) whenever possible.

Ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects periodically and after any occurrence that could affect safe use; portable ladders with structural defects must be immediately marked, tagged with "Do Not Use", or withdrawn from service until repaired; fixed ladders with structural defects must be withdrawn from service until repaired. See 1926.1053(b)(15), 1926.1053(b)(16), and 1926.1053(b)(17).

• Acceptable ways to satisfy withdrawal from service include tagging with "Do Not Use", marking to readily identify the defect, or physically blocking the ladder (for example, with a plywood attachment spanning several rungs) as described in 1926.1053(b)(17)(i)–(iii).
• Repair work must restore the ladder to its original design criteria before returning it to service (see 1926.1053(b)(18)).

Ladder repairs must restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria before the ladder is returned to use, as required by 1926.1053(b)(18).

• Repairs that do not return the ladder to its original strength or design are not acceptable; if a repair cannot restore original design criteria, the ladder must be removed from service.
• Keep records of repairs as appropriate for your safety program and ensure repairs are performed by qualified personnel.

Employees must face the ladder when ascending or descending, use at least one hand to grasp the ladder while progressing, and must not carry any object or load that could cause loss of balance and a fall, as required by 1926.1053(b)(20), 1926.1053(b)(21), and 1926.1053(b)(22).

• Use tool belts, hoists, or a buddy to hand tools and materials up and down so both hands can remain free for climbing.
• If you must move materials on a ladder, secure them so they do not upset your center of gravity or block your handholds.