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Stairways and Ladders A Guide Guide to OSHA OSHA Rule ules s
OSHA 3124-12R 2003
Stairways and Ladders: A Guide Guide to OSHA OSHA Rules ules U.S. Department o f Labor This inform ational booklet provides a general general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA OSHA standards. It does not alter or determi ne compliance responsibiliti responsibiliti es in OSHA OSHA standards or t he Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 . Because interpretations and enforcement policy m ay change change over tim e, you should consult current current OSHA admini strative strative i nterpretations nterpretations and decisions decisions by the t he Occupatio Occupational nal Safety and Health Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional gu idance on OSHA OSHA com pliance requirements. This publication publication is in the publ ic domain and m ay be reproduced, reproduced, fully or partially, w ithout p ermission. Source Source credit credit is requested requested but not required. This inform ation is available to sensory im paired individuals upon request. request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) num nu m ber: ber : (877) 889-5627.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 3124-12R 2003
Contents
Introduction
Introduction...3 General Req Requirements...3 uirements...3 Rules for Ladders...4 All Ladders...4 Specific Types of Ladders...6 Stepladders...6 Portable Ladders...6 Fixed Ladders...7 Cages for Fixed Ladders...9 Ladders...9 Wells for Fixed Ladders...1 Ladders... 10 Ladder Safety Devices and Related Support Systems for Fixed Ladders...1 Ladders... 11 Requirement Requirements s for Mount ing Ladder Safety Safety Devices for Fixed Ladders...1 Ladders... 11 Defective Ladders...12 Rules for Stairways...12 Stairw ays Used During Construction...12 Construction...12 Temporary Stairs...13 Stair Rails...14 Rails...14 Handrails...15 Midrails...15 Training Requirements...16 Glossary...16 OSHA Assis Assistance...17 tance...17 Safety and Healt h Program Program Management Guidelines...18 State Programs...18 Programs...18 Consultation Services...19 Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)...20 Strategic Partnership Program...20 Alliance Program...20 Training and Education...21 Electronic Electronic Informat Informat ion...22 OSHA Publications...22 Publications...22 Emergencies, Emergencies, Complaints or Further Assistance...23 OSHA Regional Offices...23
Working on and around stairways and ladders is hazardous. hazardous. Stairways and ladders are m ajor sources sources of injuries inj uries and fatalities among construction workers for example, and many of the injuries are serious enough to require time off the job. OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair, painting , decorating and dem olition of w orksites orksites covere covered d by OSHA’s construction safety and health standards.
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General Requirements These These rules spec specify ify w hen empl oyers m ust provide stairways and ladders. In general, the standards standards require the followi ng: When th ere is a break in elevation of 19 inches inches (48 (48 cm) or m ore and no r amp, runway, embankment or personnel hoist is available, employ ers must provide a stairway stairway or ladder at all worker points of access. s
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When there is only one point of access between levels, employers must keep it clear of obstacles to permit free passage by workers. If free passage becomes restricted, employ ers must provide a sec second ond poi nt of access access and ensure that w orkers use it. When there are are more than tw o poin ts of access between levels, employers must ensure that at l east east one on e poin t of access access remain s clear. clear.
In addition, employers m ust install all stairway and ladder fall protection systems required by these rules and ensure that their worksite meets all requirements of the stairway and ladder rules before employ em ployees ees use stairw stairw ays or ladders. ladd ers. See See 29 29 CFR 1926.1050-1060 for the details of the standard. Note: The standard does not apply to ladders specifically m anufactured fo r scaffold scaffold access access and egress, but does apply to job-made and manufactured portable ladders intended for general purpose use. Rules for ladders l adders used on or w ith scaffold scaffolds s are addressed addressed in 29 CFR 1926.451 Subpart L. 3
Rules for Ladders All Ladders
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The follow ing rules apply apply to all ladders: Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards. s
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Do not load ladders ladders beyond their maxim um intended load nor beyond their m anufacturer’s anufacturer’s rated capacity. capacity.
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Use ladders ladders only for th eir designed purpose. Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement. Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not use slipresistant feet as a substit substit ute for fo r exercising care wh en placing, placing, lashing or hold ing a ladder upon slippery surfaces. Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, sageways, doorways or dri veways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement. Or use a barricade barricade to keep traffic or activ ity away from the ladder. ladder. Keep Keep areas areas clear clear aroun d the to p and bottom b ottom of l adders. adders.
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Do not m ove, shift shift or extend ladders whi le in use. Use ladders ladders equipped w ith no nconductive side rails if the w orker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment. Face ace the ladder ladder when m oving up or dow n.
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Use at least least one hand t o grasp th e ladder when climbing. Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling.
In addition, the followi ng general general requirements apply to all l adders, adders, including ladders built at the jobsite:
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Double-cleated ladders or two or m ore ladders ladders mu st be provided wh en ladders are the only way to enter or exit a work area where 25 or mo re employees work or w hen a ladder ladder serves serves simultaneous tw o-way traffic. traffic.
Ladder rungs, cleats and and steps m ust be parallel, level level and unifo rm ly spaced spaced when the ladder is in position for use. Rungs, cleats and steps of portable and fixed (except pt as provided b elow) m ust not ladders (exce be spaced less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart, nor m ore than 14 inches (36 (36 cm cm ) apart, alon along g the ladder ’s side rails. Rungs, cleats and steps of step stools must not be less than 8 inches (20 (20 cm cm ) apart, nor m ore than 12 inches (31 (31 cm) apart, betw een center lines of the rungs, cleats and steps. Rungs, ung s, cleats cleats and steps at the base section section of extension trestle ladders must not be less than 8 inches (20 (20 cm) n or m ore th an 18 inches (46 (46 cm) apart, between center lines of the rungs, cleats and steps. The rung spacing o n the extension section must not be less than 6 inches (15 (15 cm) no r m ore th an 12 inches (31 (31 cm). Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to create longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use. When splicing side rails, the resulting side rail mu st be equivalent in strength to a one-piece one-piece side rail made of th e sam sam e material. Tw o or m ore separate ladders used to r each each an elevated work area must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders, except except w hen port able ladders are used to gain access access to fix ed ladders. ladders. Ladder components must be surfaced to prevent snagging snagging of clothing and inju ry from punctures or lacerations.
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Wood ladders mu st not be coated coated wi th any opaque covering covering except except for identification or warning l abels, abels, which may be placed placed only on one face of a side rail.
petent person m ust inspect inspect Note: A com petent ladders for visible defects periodically and after any incident that could affect their safe use.
Specific Types of Ladders s
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Do not use single-rail ladders. Use non-self-supporting non-self-supporting ladders at an angle wh ere the horizontal horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approxiapproximately one-quarter one-quarter of the wo rking length of the ladder. Use wooden ladders built at the jobsite with spliced side rails at an angle where the horizontal distance is one-eighth of the working length of the ladder. ladder.
In addition, the top of a n on-self-s on-self-supporting upporting ladder must be placed placed w ith tw o rails supported equally unless it is equipped w ith a single support attachment.
In addition, the run gs and steps of portable metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dim pled, coated coated w ith skid-resista skid-resistant nt m aterial aterial or treated treated to mi nim ize ize slippi slippi ng. Non-self-supporting and self-supporting portable ladders ladders m ust support at least least four tim es the maxim um intended load; extra extra heavy-duty heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders must sustain 3.3 tim es the maxim um i ntended load. To To determine whether a self-supporting ladder can sustain a certain certain load, apply the load to the ladder in a dow nward vertical vertical direction w ith the ladder placed at a ho rizontal angl e of 75.5 75.5 degrees. When portable p ortable l adders are used for access access to an upper landing surface, the side rails must extend at l east east 3 feet (.9 m ) above the upp er landing landi ng surf ace. ace. When such an extension is no t possible, the ladder must be secured and a grasping device such as a grab rail must be provided to assist assist workers in m ounting and dismoun ting the ladder. ladder. A ladder extension extension m ust not deflect under a load that w ould cause cause the ladder to slip off its supports.
Fixed Ladders Stepladders s
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Do not use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step. Do not use cross bracing on the rear section of stepladders stepladders for clim bing unless the ladders ladders are designed designed and provided w ith steps for clim bing on both front and rear rear sections. sections. Metal spreader or locking devices must be provided on stepladders stepladders to hold the front and back back sections sections in an open po sition w hen ladders are being used.
If the total length of the climb on a fixed ladder ladd er equal s or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), the ladl adder m ust be equipped w ith ladder safety safety devices; devices; or self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at interv als not to exceed exceed 150 feet feet (45.7 (45.7 m); m ); or a cage cage or w ell and mu ltiple ladder sections sections with each each l adder section n ot to exceed 50 feet (15.2 (15.2 m) in length. These ladder sections must be offset from adjacent adjacent sections sections and landing platform s mu st be provided at at m aximum intervals of 50 50 feet feet (15.2 m). In addition, fixed ladders must meet the following requirements: Fixed ladders must be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments. Fixed ladders also must support added anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, s
Portable Ladders The mini mu m clear clear distance betw betw een een side rails for all portabl p ortable e ladders m ust be 11 11.5 inches (29 cm cm ).
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wi nds, rigging and im pact pact loads resulting resulting from using ladder safety devices. s
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Individual ru ng/step ng/step ladders m ust 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 vertical grab b ars that must have the same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the ladder rails. Each step or rung of a fixed ladder must be able to support a load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung. Mi nim um clear clear distance between between the sides of indiv idual rung /step /step ladders and and betw een een the side rails rails of o ther fixed ladders mu st be 16 inches (41 cm).
edge of a landing area must be no less than 7 inches (18 (18 cm cm ) and no m ore than 12 inches inches (30 (30 cm). A landing platform m ust be provided if the step-across distance exceeds 12 inches (30 cm). s
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Rungs of i ndivi dual rung/step ladders ladders m ust be shaped shaped to prevent slipping off th e end of the rungs. Rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders m anufactured after M arch arch 15, 1991 1991,, must m ust be corrugated, corrugated, knurled, dimpl ed, coated coated wi th skid-res skid-resistant istant m aterial aterial or treated treated to m inim ize ize slipping. Mi nim um perpendicular perpendicular clearanc clearance e between fixed ladder ru ngs, cleats, cleats, and steps and any obstruction behind th e ladder must be 7 inches (18 (18 cm), except that t he clearance for an elevator p it l adder m ust be 4.5 inches (11 (11 cm). Mi nim um perpendicular perpendicular clearanc clearance e between the centerline of fixed ladder rungs, cleats and steps, steps, and and any obstruction on the climbi ng side of t he ladder m ust be 30 inches (76 (76 cm). If obstructions are unavoidable, clearance may be reduced to 24 inches inches (61 (61 cm), provi ded a deflection deflection d evice is installed installed to gui de wo rkers around the obstruction. Step-across Step-across distance between the center of the steps or rungs of fixed ladders and the nearest 8
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Fixed ladders with out cages or w ells must have at least a 15-inch (38 cm) clearance width to the nearest permanent object on each side of the centerline of the ladder. Fixed ladders m ust be provided wi th cages, cages, wells, ladder safety devices or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet feet (7.3 m) but the top to p of the ladd er is at a distance di stance greater t han 24 feet (7.3 (7.3 m) abov e low er levels. levels. Side rails of throu gh o r side-step side-step fixed ladders m ust extend 42 inches inches (1.1 (1.1 m) above the to p level or landing platform served served by th e ladder. ladder. Parapet ladders m ust have h ave an access access level at the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through it. If the parapet parapet is continuous, the access access level is t he top of th e parapet. Steps Steps or rungs for through-fixed-ladder through-fixed-ladder extensions must be om itted from the extension; extension; and the extension extension o f side rails must be flared to provide prov ide betw een 24 inches inches (61 (61 cm) and 30 inches (76 (76 cm) clearance clearance betw een side rail s. When safety devices are provided, the maximum clearance distance between side rail extensions m ust not exceed exceed 36 inches (91 (91 cm). Fixed l adders m ust be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, measured from the back side of the ladder.
Cages for Fixed Ladders The requirements for cages for fixed ladders are as follows: Horizontal Horizontal bands b ands must mu st be fastened fastened to the t he side rails of rail ladders or directly to the structure, building or equipment equipm ent for individual-rung indi vidual-rung ladders. ladders. s
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Vertical bars must be on the inside of the horizontal bands and must be fastened to them.
Ladder Safety Devices and Related Support Systems for Fixed Ladders
Cages must n ot extend less than 27 inches inches (68 cm), or m ore th an 30 inches (76 (76 cm) fro m the centerline centerline of the step or rung and m ust not be less than 27 in ches (68 (68 cm) w ide.
The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attac attachm ent to the body belt or harness must n ot exceed 9 inches (23 (23 cm cm ) in length. In addition, ladder safety devices and related related support systems systems on fixed ladders m ust conform conform to the following: All safety safety devices devices must be able to w ithstand, wi thout failure, a drop test consisting consisting of a 500-pound weight (226 kg) dropping 18 inches (41 cm).
Insides of cages must be clear of projections. Horizontal bands must be spaced at intervals not m ore than 4 feet (1.2 (1.2 m) apart m easured easured from centerline centerline to centerline. centerline. Vertical bars mu st be spaced spaced at intervals no t m ore th an 9.5 inches (24 (24 cm), measured centerline to centerline. Bottoms of cages must be between 7 feet (2.1 (2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 (2.4 m) above the p oint oin t of access access to the botto m o f the ladder. The bottom of the cage must be flared not less than 4 inches (10 cm) between the bottom horizontal band and the next higher band. Tops of cages must be a minimum of 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the platform or the poin t of access access at the top of t he ladder. There must be a way to access the platform or other poin t of access access..
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All safety devices devices mu st permit th e worker to asce ascend nd or desce descend nd w ithout continually having to hold , push or pull any part part of the device, leaving both hands free for clim bing. All safety safety devices devices mu st be activated activated w ithin 2 feet (.61 (.61 m ) after after a fall occurs and l im it the t he desce descending nding velocity of an em ployee to 7 feet/second (2.1 m/sec) or less.
Requirement Require ments s for M ounting Ladder Safety Devices for Fixed Ladders The requirements requirements for m ounting ladder safety safety devices for fixed ladders are as follows: Mo untings fo r rig id carriers must be attached attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mo untings spaced spaced along the entire length of the carrier, to provi p rovi de the necessary necessary strength to stop wo rkers’ falls. falls. s
Wells for Fixed Ladders The requirem requirem ents for wells for fix ed ladders are as follows: Wells must completely encircle the ladder. s
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Wells Wells m ust be free of pro jections.
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Inside Inside faces faces of w ells on the clim bing side of the ladder must extend between 27 inches (68 cm cm ) and 30 inches (76 (76 cm) fr om the centerline of the step or rung. Inside widths of wells must be at least 30 inches (76 cm). Bottoms of wells above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder ladder m ust be between between 7 feet (2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m). 10
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Mo untings for flexibl e carrie carriers rs must be attached at each end of the carrier. Cable guides for fl exible carriers carriers must b e installed w ith a spacing spacing betw een 25 feet feet (7.6 m) and 40 feet (12.2 m) along the entire length of the carrier, to prevent w ind d amage to the system. system. Design Design and installation of m ounting s and and cable guides must not reduce the strength of the ladder. Side rails and steps or rungs for side-step fixed ladders must be continuous in extension. extension. 11
Defective Ladders
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Ladders needing repairs are subject to the following rules: rules: Portable l adders w ith structural d efects—s efects—such uch as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split r ails, corroded components or other faulty o r defective components—must im m ediately ediately be m arked arked defective or tagged wi th "Do Not Use" or similar language and and withdrawn from service until repaired. s
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Fixed l adders w ith structural d efects—suc efects—such h as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails or corroded components— mu st be wi thdrawn fro m service until repaired. Defective fixed ladders are considered withdrawn from use w hen they are are imm ediately ediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or simi lar language, language, or marked in a m anner that identifies them as defective, or blocked—such as with a plywood attachm attachm ent that spans several run gs. Ladder repairs must restore the ladder to a condition m eeting eeting its origi nal design design criteria before the ladder is returned to use.
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The rules covering stairways and their compon ents generally generally depend on how and when stairs are used. Specifically, there are rules for stairs used during construction and stairs used temporarily during construction, construction, as well as rules governing stair stair r ails and handrails.
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Doors and gates opening opening directly onto a stairstairway must have a platform that extends at least 20 inches (51 cm) beyond the swing of the door or gate. gate. Metal pan landing s and metal pan treads must be secured in place before filling. Stairway parts must be free of dangerous projections such such as protru ding nails. Slippery conditions on stairways must be corrected. Workers Workers m ust not use spiral stairways stairways that w ill not b e a permanent part of the structure. structure.
The following requirements apply to stairways used temporarily during construction.
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The follow ing requirements apply to all stairways used during construction: Stairways Stairways that wi ll not be a perm perm anent anent part of the buildin g under construction construction m ust have landin gs at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical ri se.
Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed 1/4 inch in any stairway system, system, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.
Temporary Stairs
Rules for Stairways
Stairw ays Used During Cons Construction truction
Stairways m ust be install ed at least least 30 degrees —and no more than 50 degrees—from the horizontal.
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Except during construction of the stairway, Do not use stairways stairways with metal pan landings and treads if the treads and/or landings have not been filled in wi th concrete concrete or other materials unless the pans of the stairs and/or landings are temporarily filled in with wood or other m aterials. aterials. All treads and and l andings m ust be replace replaced d w hen worn below t he top edge of the pan. Do not use skeleton metal frame structures and steps (where treads and/or landings will be installed l ater) unless the stairs stairs are fitted wi th secured secured tem porary treads and landings.
Note: Temporary treads must be made of wo od or other solid m aterial aterial and installed installed the full wi dth and depth of the stair. stair. 13
Stair Rails
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The follow ing general requirements apply apply t o all stair rails: Stairways Stairways wi th four or m ore risers risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must be installed along each each unpr otected side or edge. edge. When the top edge of a stair r ail system also serves as as a handrail, the height height of the top edge must be no m ore than 37 inches (94 (94 cm cm ) nor less than 36 inches (91 (91.5 .5 cm) fro m the up per surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread.
Screens or mesh, when used, must extend from the top rail to the stairway stairway step and along the opening between top rail supports.
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Stair rail s installed after M arch arch 15,1991 15,1991,, must m ust be not less than 36 inches (91 (91.5 .5 cm cm ) in height. height . Top edges edg es of stair rail systems used as handrails must not be mo re than 37 inches inches (94 cm) high nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the th e surface of the th e tread. (If (If installed b efore March 15, 1991, not less than 30 inches [76 cm]).
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Ends of stair rail systems and handrails must be built to prevent dangerous projections, such as rails protruding beyond the end posts of the system.
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Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems mu st be able able to w ithstand, without failure, at at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any dow nward or outw ard direction, direction, at any any point along the top edge.
Stair Stair rail systems systems and handrails m ust be surfaced to prevent injuries such as punctures or lacerations lacerations and to keep keep clothing from snagging.
In addition, Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landin gs m ust have standard 42-inch (1.1 (1.1 m) guardrail systems. systems. s
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Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters balusters used as guardrails, guardrails, must n ot be m ore than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. Other intermediate structural structural m embers, when used, used, must be in stalled stalled so that no openings are mo re than 19 inches inches (48 (48 cm) w ide. 14
Handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) hi gh nor n or l ess than 30 inches (76 (76 cm) from the upper surface surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. Handrails Handrails m ust provide an adequate adequate handhold for em ployees to grasp grasp to prevent falls. Temporary handrails m ust have a mi nim um clearance clearance of 3 in ches (8 cm cm ) betw een the handrail and walls, stair rail systems and other objects. Stairways Stairways w ith four or m ore risers, risers, or that rise m ore than 30 inches (76 (76 cm) in height — w hichever is less—mu less—must st have at least least one handrail. Winding or spiral stairways must have a handrail to prevent use of areas where the tread w idth idt h is l ess than 6 i nches (15 (15 cm).
Midrails Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical mem bers or equivalent interm ediate structural structural mem bers must be provided between the top rail rail and stairway steps to the stair rail system. system. When mi drails are used, used, they they m ust be located located m idw ay between the top of the stair stair rail system system and th e stairway steps.
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Training Requirements Em ployers m ust train all em ployees to recogrecognize hazards hazards related to l adders and stairw ays, and and instruct them to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employ ee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: Nature of fall hazards in the work area; s
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Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disasse disassemb mb ling the fall pro tection tection systems systems to be used; Proper con struction , use, placement and care in handli ng of all stairways and and l adders; adders; and
point of access — All areas used by employees for work-related passage from one area or level to another. portable ladder — A ladder that can be readily mov ed or carried. carried. riser height — The vertical distance from the top of a tread tread or platform /landing /landing to the top of the next higher tread tread or platform /landing. side-step side-step fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that requires a person person to g et off at the top to step step to the t he side of the ladder side rails to reach the landing.
Maxim um intended load-carrying load-carrying capacities capacities of ladders used.
single-cleat single-cleat ladder — A ladder consisting of a pair of side rails connected together by cleats, rungs or steps.
each em ployee Note: Emp loyers m ust retrain eac as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use and construction of ladders and stairs.
stair rail system — A vertical barrier erected along the unprotected sides and edges of a stairway to prevent em em ployees from falling to lo wer levels.
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Glossary sspiece of rectangular cross cleat leat — A ladder cro sspiece section section placed placed on edge upon w hich a person person m ay step while ascending or descending a ladder.
temporary service stairway — A stairway where permanent treads and/or landings are to be filled in at a later date. through fixed ladder — A fixed l adder that requires a person getting off at the top to step between the side rails of the ladder to reach the landing.
center rail double-c double-cleat leat ladder ladder — A ladder w ith a center to allow sim ultaneous two -way traffic traffic for emp emp loyees ascending ascending or desc d escending ending .
horizontal di stance stance from front tread depth — The horizontal to back of a tread, tread, excludin g nosin g, if any.
failure — Load refusal, breakage or separation of components.
OSHA Ass Assis istt ance
fixed ladder — A ladder that cannot be readily moved or carried because it is an integral part of a building or structure. handrail — A rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support. job-made ladder — A ladder that is fabricated by employees, typically at the construction site; noncomm ercially ercially m anufactured. anufactured.
OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of programs, including technical assistance about effective safety and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic partnerships, and training and education, education, and and m ore. An overall comm itm ent to workplace safety and health can add value to your b usiness, usiness, to your w orkplace, orkplace, and and to your l ife.
structural load refusal — The point w here the structural m embers lose their their ability to carry the load. 16
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Safety and Health Program M anagement anagement Guidelines Guidelines Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor factor i n reducing t he extent and severity severity of wo rk-relate rk-related d in juries and illnesses nesses and th eir related costs. In In fact, f act, an an effective safety safety and health program form s the basis basis of good wo rker protection protection and can can save time and money—about $4 for every dollar spent—and increase increase productivity and reduce worker inju ries, illness ill nesses es and and related w orkers’ com pensation pensation costs. costs. To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA published recom recom m ended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54 (16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines can be applied to all places places of em ploym ent covered covered by OSHA. OSHA. The guidelines identify four general general elements critical to the development of a successful safety and health m anagement anagement system: system: Management leadership leadership and em ployee involvement,
wi th their o wn OSHA-a OSHA-approved pproved occupational safety and health plans must adopt standards identi cal to, or at l east east as effectiv effective e as, the federal standards.
Consultation Consultation Services Services
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 states to develop and oper(OSH Act) encourages states ate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA approves and mo nitor s these plans. There are curcurrently 26 state state plans: 23 cover both pri vate and and public (state (state and local government) employ ment; 3 states, Conn Connecticut, ecticut, New Jersey and New York, York, cover the public sector only. States and territories
Consult ation assistance is available available on request to employers w ho w ant help in establishing establishing and maintaining a safe safe and healthful w orkplace. orkplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employ ers with m ore hazardous hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state governments employin g professional professional safety and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance assistance includes an appraisal of all m echanical echanical systems, wor k practices, practices, and occupational safety and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects aspects of th e empl oyer’s oyer ’s present job safety safety and health program. In addition, the service offers assistance to employers in developing and im plementing an effective effective safety safety and health program. N o penalties are proposed proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by the consultant. OSHA provides consultation assistance to the employer w ith th e assuranc assurance e that his or her nam e and firm and any inform ation about the workplace workplace wi ll no t be routinely reported to OSHA OSHA enforcement staff. Under the consultation pr ogram, certain certain exemp exemp lary empl oyers may request participation participation in OSHA’ OSHA’s s Safety and Health Health Achievement Recogniti on Program (SHARP (SHARP). ). Elig Elig ibilit ibi lity y for participation in SHARP includes receiving a comprehensive consultation consultation v isit, demonstrating exemplary achievements in workplace safety and health by abating all identified hazards, and developing an excellent excellent safety safety and health prog ram. Em ployers plo yers accepted accepted in to SHARP m ay receive an exempti exempti on from programm ed inspections inspections (not (not complaint or accident accident investigation investigation i nspections) nspections) for a period of 1 year.
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The guidelines recommend specific actions, under und er each each of these general elements, to achieve an effective safety and health program. The Federal Register notice is available online at www.osha.gov.
State Programs
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consultation services, services, when coupled w ith an effective effective enforcement enforcement p rogram, expand w orker protection to help m eet eet the goals of the OSH Act. The three VPP VPP—Star, —Star, Meri t, and Demonstrati on—are designed to recognize outstanding achievements by companies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety safety and health prog rams into their total management system. The VPP motivate others other s to achieve achieve excellent safety and health results in the same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship between employers, employees, and OSHA. For addition al inform ation on VPP VPP and and ho w to apply, contact the OSHA OSHA regio nal offi ces listed at the end of this publi cation. cation.
Strategic Partnership Program OSHA’ OSHA’s s Strategic Partnershi Partnershi p Program, rogr am, the n ewest member of OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps encourage, assist, assist, and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker safety and health. healt h. Whereas Wher eas OSHA’s OSHA’s Consult ation atio n Prog Prog ram and VP VPP entail entail one-on-one relatio nships nship s betw een OSHA OSHA and ind ivid ual w ork sites, sites, most strategic partnerships seek to have a broader impact by buildi ng cooperative cooperative relationships wi th groups of employers and employees. These partnerships are voluntary, cooperative relationships between OSHA, employers, employee representatives, and others other s (e.g., (e.g., trade uni ons, trade and pro fession fessional al associations, universities, and other government agencies). For m ore inform ation on this and other cooperative programs, contact your nearest OSHA office, or visit OSHA’ OSHA’s s website w ebsite at www.osha.gov.
Alliance Program Alliances enable organizations committed to w orkplace orkplace safety safety and health to collaborate with 20
OSHA to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. OSHA and its allies work together to reach reach out ou t to, to , educate, educate, and lead the n ation’s employers and their emp emp loyees in im proving and advancing workplace safety and health. Alliances are are open to all, including trade or profess prof ession ional al organi zations, busin esses, esses, labor organizations, educational institutions, and governm ent agencies. In In som e cases, cases, organizations organizations may be buildin g on existing relationships relationships with OSHA OSHA through other cooperative cooperative prog rams. There There are few form al program requirements for alliances, which are less structured than other cooperative agreements, and the agreements do not i nclude an enforcement enforcement component. How ever, ever, OSHA and the participating organizations must define, implement, and meet a set of short- and long-term goals that fall in to thr ee cate categories: gories: training and education; education; outreach outreach and comm unication; and promoti on of the national dialogue on workplace safety and health.
Training and Education OSHA OSHA’s area offices offer a variety o f inform in form ation services, such as compliance assistance, technical advice, publications, audiovisual aids and speakers for special engagements. OSHA’s Training Institute Institute in Arlin gton Heights, Ill., Ill., provides basic and advanced courses in safety and h ealth for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees, and their representatives. The OSHA Traini ng Institute also h as estabestablished OSHA OSHA Traini ng Institute Education Centers to address the increased demand for its courses from the private sector sector and from other federal federal agencies. agencies. These centers are are nonp rofi t colleges, universities, and other organizations that have been selected after a competition for participation in the program. 21
OSHA OSHA also also provi des funds to nonpro fit or ganizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded awarded ann ually. Grant recipients are expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost. For m ore inform ation on grants, training and education, con tact the OSHA Traini ng Institute, Office of Traini ng and Education, 2020 South Arling ton Heights Heights Road, Road, Arlington Heights, Heights, IL 60005, (847) 297-4810, or see Outreach on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. For further inform ation on any OSHA OSHA program , contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end end of th is publication.
Electronic Information OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available on its website www.osha.gov. These include e-Tools such as Expert Advisors, Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools (e-cats), Technical Links; regulations, directives and publ ications; videos and and other inform ation for empl oyers and and employ emp loyees ees.. OSHA OSHA’s software pr ogram s and compliance assistance tools walk you through challenging safety and health issues and common problem s to find the best best solutions for your workplace. OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpretations, directives, and more and can be purc pur chased on CD-R CD-ROM from the U.S. Government Printing Office. To order, write to the Superintendent Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box Bo x 371954 3 71954 Pittsbur gh, PA 15250-79 15250-7954 54 or phone (202) 512-1800, or order onli ne at at http:/ / bookstore.gpo.gov bookstore.gpo.gov..
OSHA Publications ublications OSHA has an extensive publications program. For a l isting of free f ree or sales items, visit OSHA OSHA’s 22
website at www.osha.gov or contact the OSHA OSHA Publication s Office U.S. Department o f Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, N-3101 Washing ton , DC 2021 20210 0 Telephone (202) 693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-24 693-2498. 98.
Emergencies, mergencies, Complaints or Further urth er Assistance Assistance To report an emergency, file a complaint or seek OSHA OSHA advice, assistance assistance or prod ucts, call (800) 321321- OSHA OSHA or contact you r nearest OSHA OSHA regi onal or area office listed at the end of this publication. The teletypew telety pew riter rit er (TTY) number num ber i s (877) (877) 889-5627 889-5627. You can also file a complaint online and obtain mo re inform ation on OSHA OSHA federal federal and state programs by visiting OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.
OSHA Regional Offices Region I (CT (CT,* M E, MA, MA , NH, RI, VT* ) JFK Federal Building, Room E340 Boston, M A 02203 02203 (617) 565-9860 Region II (NJ,* NY,* NY,* PR,* VI*) VI* ) 201 Varick Street, Room 670 New York, or k, NY 10014 10014 (212) 337-2378 Region III (DE, (DE, DC, DC, M D,* PA,* VA,* WV) The Curtis Center 170 S. Independence Mall West Suite 740 West Philadel Phil adelph phia, ia, PA 19106-3309 19106-3309 (215) 861-4900
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Region IV (AL, FL, FL, GA, KY,* M S, NC,* NC,* SC,* SC,* TN* ) 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50 Atlanta, Atl anta, GA 30303 30303 (404) 562-2300 Region V (IL, (IL, IN,* IN,* MI,* MN ,* OH, WI) 230 South South Dearbor Dearborn n Street, Room Room 3244 3244 Chicago, IL IL 60604 (312) 353-2220 Region VI (AR, (AR, LA, NM ,* OK,TX) 525 Griffi Griffi n Street, Room Room 602 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 767-4731 or 4736 x224 Region VII (IA,* KS, MO, NE) NE) City Center Square 1100 Main Street, Suite 800 Kansas City, M O 64105 64105 (816) 426-5861
Region IX (Ameri can Samo Samoa, a, AZ,* CA,* HI, NV,* NV,* North ern Mariana Islands) 71 Stevenson Street, Room 420 San Francisco ran cisco,, CA 94105 (415) 975-4310 Region X (AK,* (AK,* ID, OR,* OR,* WA* ) 1111 Third Thi rd Avenue, Aven ue, Suite Sui te 715 Seattle, Seattl e, WA 98101-321 98101-3212 2 (206) 553-5930 * These These states states and and territo ries operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs (Connecticut, (Connecticut, New Jersey and N ew York p lans cover public employees only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard. Offices, Note: To get cont act inform ation fo r OSHA Area Offices, OSHA-approved OSHA-approved State Plans Plans and OSHA consult ation proj ects, ects, please visit u s onlin e at www.osha.gov or call us at (800) 321-OSHA (6742).
Region VIII (CO, (CO, MT M T, ND, SD, UT U T,* WY* W Y* ) 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690 P.O. Box Bo x 46550 4 6550 Denver, Denv er, CO 80201-6550 80201-6550 (303) 844-1600
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