Reaching the Roof: Specifying Fixed Access Aluminum Ladders for Safety and Efficiency

Installed in virtually every commercial structure, fixed access aluminum ladders are a necessary feature for maintaining both building equipment and occupant safety.

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Standards and Safety

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) issue national standards regarding fixed ladders. Both sets of standards are virtually the same as each organization takes turns to institute changes.

Titled ANSI A14.3-2008 American National Standard for Ladders - Fixed - Safety Requirements is available from webstore.ansi.org. ANSI standards detail specifications on the various materials, construction requirements, test requirements, usage guidelines and labeling/marking requirements for fixed access ladders (CHECK).

OSHA Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) Fixed ladders. - 1910.27 are available for download at www.osha.gov. OSHA also publishes a Booklet Guide to the 1910.27 regulations titled Stairways and Ladders, A Guide to OSHA Rules, OSHA 3124-12R 2003 (www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3124/osha3124.html).
The latter is a general overview of the OSHA standards and covers the rules for all ladders included fixed ladders (see sidebar).

OSHA CODES

Effective November 19, 2018 ladder cages are no longer recognized as “fall protection devices”.

Ladders installed prior to that date can be used with the cages until November 18, 2036.

A fall protection device is required on any fixed ladder exceeding 24’ above a lower level.

Pertinent Codes:

1910.28(b)(9)
Fixed ladders (that extend more than 24 feet (7.3 m) above a lower level). 1910.28(b)(9)(i)
For fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet (7.3 m) above a lower level, the employer must ensure:
1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A)
Existing fixed ladders. Each fixed ladder installed before November 19, 2018 is equipped with a personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage, or well;
1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B)
New fixed ladders. Each fixed ladder installed on and after November 19, 2018, is equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system;
1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C)
Replacement. When a fixed ladder, cage, or well, or any portion of a section thereof, is replaced, a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system is installed in at least that section of the fixed ladder, cage, or well where the replacement is located; and
1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D)
Final deadline. On and after November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders are equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system.
1910.28(b)(9)(ii)
When a one-section fixed ladder is equipped with a personal fall protection or a ladder safety system or a fixed ladder is equipped with a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system on more than one section, the employer must ensure:
1910.28(b)(9)(ii)(A)
The personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system provides protection throughout the entire vertical distance of the ladder, including all ladder sections; and
1910.28(b)(9)(ii)(B)
The ladder has rest platforms provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet (45.7 m).
1910.28(b)(9)(iii)
The employer must ensure ladder sections having a cage or well:
1910.28(b)(9)(iii)(A)
Are offset from adjacent sections; and
1910.28(b)(9)(iii)(B)
Have landing platforms provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m).
1910.28(b)(9)(iv)

The employer may use a cage or well in combination with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system.

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Originally published in December 2013

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