 Part Number:

1926

 Part Number Title:

Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

 Subpart:

1926 Subpart X

 Subpart Title:

Stairways and Ladders

 Standard Number:

1926.1053

 Title:

Ladders.
 GPO Source:,

e-CFR

1926.1053(a)
General. The following requirements apply to all ladders as indicated, including job-made
ladders.
1926.1053(a)(1)
Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure:
1926.1053(a)(1)(i)
Each self-supporting portable ladder: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that
each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times the
maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph
shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward
vertical direction. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of
appendix A of this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement.
1926.1053(a)(1)(ii)
Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load,
except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times
the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this
paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a
downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the
horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A
will be deemed to meet this requirement.
1926.1053(a)(1)(iii)
Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any
two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250
pounds (114 kg) each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included),
plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the
use of ladder safety devices. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single
concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung.
Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to
meet this requirement.
1926.1053(a)(2)
Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is
in position for use.
1926.1053(a)(3)(i)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders (except as provided below) and fixed ladders
(including individual-rung/step ladders) shall be spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart,
nor more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats,
and steps.
1926.1053(a)(3)(ii)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools shall be not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart, nor more
than 12 inches (31 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
1926.1053(a)(3)(iii)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall not be less than 8
inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the
rungs, cleats, and steps. The rung spacing on the extension section of the extension trestle
ladder shall be not less than 6 inches (15 cm) nor more than 12 inches (31 cm), as measured
between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
1926.1053(a)(4)(i)
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).
1926.1053(a)(4)(ii)
The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11 1/2 inches (29
cm).
1926.1053(a)(5)
The rungs of individual-rung/step ladders shall be shaped such that employees' feet cannot slide
off the end of the rungs.
1926.1053(a)(6)(i)
The rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, shall be
corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to
minimize slipping.
1926.1053(a)(6)(ii)
The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with
skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
1926.1053(a)(7)
Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are
specifically designed for such use.
1926.1053(a)(8)
A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and
back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used.
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.
1926.1053(a)(10)
Except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders (such as those on utility
towers, billboards, and other structures where the bottom of the fixed ladder is elevated to limit
access), when two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, the
ladders shall be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders. (The requirements to have
guardrail systems with toeboards for falling object and overhead protection on platforms and
landings are set forth in subpart M of this part.)
1926.1053(a)(11)
Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or
lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
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.
1926.1053(a)(13)
The minimum perpendicular clearance between fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and any
obstruction behind the ladder shall be 7 inches (18 cm), except in the case of an elevator pit
ladder, for which a minimum perpendicular clearance of 4 1/2 inches (11 cm) is required.
1926.1053(a)(14)
The minimum perpendicular clearance between the center line of fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and
steps, and any obstruction on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 30 inches (76 cm), except
as provided in paragraph (a)(15) of this section.
1926.1053(a)(15)
When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum perpendicular clearance between
the centerline of fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and the obstruction on the climbing side of
the ladder may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided that a deflection device is installed to
guide employees around the obstruction.
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 (18 cm) nor more than 12 inches (30 cm) as 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 (30 cm), a landing platform shall be provided to reduce the distance to the
specified limit.
1926.1053(a)(17)
Fixed ladders without cages or wells shall have a clear width to the nearest permanent object of
at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the centerline of the ladder.
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 (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a distance
greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above lower levels.
1926.1053(a)(19)
Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), fixed ladders shall be
equipped with one of the following:
1926.1053(a)(19)(i)
Ladder safety devices; or
1926.1053(a)(19)(ii)
Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m); or
1926.1053(a)(19)(iii)
A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m)
in length. Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be
provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m).
1926.1053(a)(20)
Cages for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following:
1926.1053(a)(20)(i)
Horizontal bands shall be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders, or directly to the structure,
building, or equipment for individual-rung ladders;
1926.1053(a)(20)(ii)
Vertical bars shall be on the inside of the horizontal bands and shall be fastened to them;
1926.1053(a)(20)(iii)
Cages shall extend not less than 27 inches (68 cm), or more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the
centerline of the step or rung (excluding the flare at the bottom of the cage), and shall not be less
than 27 inches (68 cm) in width;
1926.1053(a)(20)(iv)
The inside of the cage shall be clear of projections;
1926.1053(a)(20)(v)
Horizontal bands shall be spaced not more than 4 feet (1.2 m) on center vertically;
1926.1053(a)(20)(vi)
Vertical bars shall be spaced at intervals not more than 9 1/2 inches (24 cm) on center
horizontally;
1926.1053(a)(20)(vii)
The bottom of the cage shall be at a level not less than 7 feet (2.1 m) nor more than 8 feet (2.4
m) above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder. The bottom of the cage shall be flared
not less than 4 inches (10 cm) all around within the distance between the bottom horizontal band
and the next higher band;
1926.1053(a)(20)(viii)
The top of the cage shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the platform, or the
point of access at the top of the ladder, with provision for access to the platform or other point of
access.
1926.1053(a)(21)
Wells for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following:
1926.1053(a)(21)(i)
They shall completely encircle the ladder;
1926.1053(a)(21)(ii)
They shall be free of projections;
1926.1053(a)(21)(iii)
Their inside face on the climbing side of the ladder shall extend not less than 27 inches (68 cm)
nor more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung;
1926.1053(a)(21)(iv)
The inside clear width shall be at least 30 inches (76 cm);
1926.1053(a)(21)(v)
The bottom of the wall on the access side shall start at a level not less than 7 feet (2.1 m) nor
more than 8 feet (2.4 m) above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder.
1926.1053(a)(22)
Ladder safety devices, and related support systems, for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the
following:
1926.1053(a)(22)(i)
They shall be capable of withstanding without failure a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41 cm)
drop of a 500-pound (226 kg) weight;
1926.1053(a)(22)(ii)
They shall permit the employee using the device to ascend or descend without continually having
to hold, push or pull any part of the device, leaving both hands free for climbing;
1926.1053(a)(22)(iii)
They shall be activated within 2 feet (.61 m) after a fall occurs, and limit the descending velocity
of an employee to 7 feet/sec. (2.1 m/sec.) or less;
1926.1053(a)(22)(iv)
The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body belt or
harness shall not exceed 9 inches (23 cm) in length.
1926.1053(a)(23)
The mounting of ladder safety devices for fixed ladders shall conform to the following:
1926.1053(a)(23)(i)
Mountings for rigid carriers shall be attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate
mountings, as necessary, spaced along the entire length of the carrier, to provide the strength
necessary to stop employees' falls.
1926.1053(a)(23)(ii)
Mountings for flexible carriers shall be attached at each end of the carrier. When the system is
exposed to wind, cable guides for flexible carriers shall be installed at a minimum spacing of 25
feet (7.6 m) and maximum spacing of 40 feet (12.2 m) along the entire length of the carrier, to
prevent wind damage to the system.
1926.1053(a)(23)(iii)
The design and installation of mountings and cable guides shall not reduce the design strength
of the ladder.
1926.1053(a)(24)
The side rails of through or side-step fixed ladders shall extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top
of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For a parapet ladder, the access
level shall be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; if the parapet is
continuous, the access level shall be the top of the parapet.
1926.1053(a)(25)
For through-fixed-ladder extensions, the steps or rungs shall be omitted from the extension and
the extension of the side rails shall be flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61 cm) nor more
than 30 inches (76 cm) clearance between side rails. Where ladder safety devices are provided,
the maximum clearance between side rails of the extensions shall not exceed 36 inches (91 cm).
1926.1053(a)(26)
For side-step fixed ladders, the side rails and the steps or rungs shall be continuous in the
extension.
1926.1053(a)(27)
Individual-rung/step ladders, except those used where their access openings are covered with
manhole covers or hatches, shall extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above an access level or
landing platform either by the continuation of the rung spacings as horizontal grab bars or by
providing vertical grab bars that shall have the same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the
rungs.
1926.1053(b)
Use. The following requirements apply to the use of all ladders, including job-made ladders,
except as otherwise indicated:
1926.1053(b)(1)
When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails
shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to
gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the
ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device,
such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the
ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself,
cause the ladder to slip off its support.
1926.1053(b)(2)
Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.
1926.1053(b)(3)
Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor
beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity.
1926.1053(b)(4)
Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.
1926.1053(b)(5)(i)
Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the
top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the
ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support).
1926.1053(b)(5)(ii)
Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal
distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(5)(iii)
Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as
measured to the back side of the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(6)
Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental
displacement.
1926.1053(b)(7)
Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet
to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in
placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited
to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from
becoming slippery.
1926.1053(b)(8)
Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic,
such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental
displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(9)
The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear.
1926.1053(b)(10)
The top of a non-self-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported equally
unless it is equipped with a single support attachment.
1926.1053(b)(11)
Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied.
1926.1053(b)(12)
Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder
could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in §1926.955(b) and
(c) of this part.
1926.1053(b)(13)
The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.
1926.1053(b)(14)
Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless the ladders
are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections.
1926.1053(b)(15)
Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and
after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
1926.1053(b)(16)
Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs,
cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective
components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as
defective, or be tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from
service until repaired.
1926.1053(b)(17)
Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats,
or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until
repaired. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is
either:
1926.1053(b)(17)(i)
Immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language,
1926.1053(b)(17)(ii)
Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective;
1926.1053(b)(17)(iii)
Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs).
1926.1053(b)(18)
Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before
the ladder is returned to use.
1926.1053(b)(19)
Single-rail ladders shall not be used.
1926.1053(b)(20)
When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(21)
Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or
down the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(22)
An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance
and fall.