Department of labor s occupational health and safety administration osha implemented new requirements for fixed ladders on buildings.
Osha fixed roof ladder.
D 2 of this section with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope except as provided in subparagraphs 3 and 5 of this paragraph.
Understanding these new ladder regulations can be confusing and you can spend a great deal of time referencing the standard interpretations pages on the osha website and still not find the answers you need.
1917 118 e 2 when a well or cage is used ladders with length of climb exceeding 30 feet 9 14 m shall comply with the following provisions.
On fixed ladders the perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees and 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees fig.
Figure d 2 slide step fixed ladder sections.
1917 118 e 2 i.
Per osha 1910 23 b 4 ladder rungs steps and cleats have a minimum clear width of 16 inches measured before installation of ladder safety systems for fixed ladders.
Fixed ladders more than 20 feet 6 1 m in height shall be provided with a cage well or ladder safety device.
As seen in the picture below featuring new ladder system we recommend a wider climbing surface to accommodate a ladder lifeline system and to make the ladder easier to climb.
Note to paragraph d.
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.