Access Ladders: OSHA, ANSI Design Criteria and Applications

4188 East Andrew Johnson HighwayMorristown, TN 37814

800-225-7814www.precisionladders.com

FL Series Access Ladders

© Precision Ladders 2017

Ladders Typical Applications: • Schools• Government buildings• Retail stores• Churches• Hospitals• Banks • Drug stores • Laboratories• Libraries• Museums • Restaurants • Sports arenas

There are 3 Types of Fixed Vertical Ladders:

• To a Hatch• To a Walk-Thru• Side Exit =

Overshoot

Applicable Codes andCode Provisions

Fixed Vertical Ladders

Applicable Codes for Fixed Ladders

• OSHA-Occupational Safety & Health Admin.

• ANSI-American National Standards Institute

• OSHA and ANSI code are similar. The more stringent code element in each is used as a guideline in this presentation.

• National codes• OSHA 1910.23

• www.OSHA.gov

• ANSI A14.3• www.ANSI.org

• Websites offer easy code reference

Note: Some states may have special code requirements

Applicable Codes for Fixed Ladders

• OSHA refers to ANSI but alters its version of the code.• Best Practice:

• Select a manufacturer who builds to the more stringent of the two codes or the overlap of the two codes.

• Some states may have special code requirements.• Manufactures will advise you on exact requirements.

Ladder Extensions at Walk Thru Exit

• 24” clear opening• Standard true for caged ladders

• Exit Straight through = 42” side rail extension is required

Step Across Distance

• Distance from the top tread to a weight bearing surface:• OSHA = 7” to 12” • ANSI = 7” to 12”

• Platforms are required to gap larger step across distances

Areas of Angle

• Ladders may not have angles greater than 90°

• Preferred pitch – 76° to 90°• Substandard pitch (inclined, ships

ladder) – 60° to 75°

• Live Load per Rung Requirements• 250 lbs. (ANSI)

• Note: Industry standard is +/- 1000 pounds

Rungs, Cleats or Steps

Rungs, Cleats or Steps• Requirement = burr free power grip surface

• Any shape is accepted• ¾” minimum cross section standard • 1” minimum in high corrosion areas • Anti-slip texture preferred

Rungs, Cleats or Steps

• OSHA says 10-14” vertical spacing• ANSI says 12” vertical step spacing• Uniform spacing throughout climb• ANSI states bottom rung 14”

maximum above ground

12” MAX

14” MAX

14” MAX

12”

Clearances (Clear Width of Tread)

16”MIN 16” min

• 16” minimum between side rails

Clear Space Behind Ladder

• 7” minimum clear space behind ladder • Exceptions for unavoidable obstructions are rarely granted.

7”MIN

7” min

Climber Clearance

15”MIN

15“ min 15” min

• 15” Clear width left and right• Except when cage required

Climber Clearance• Minimum 30” clearance• Minimum 36” at a 76° pitch• All others proportional distance determined

by slope

2’ 6”min

Safety Cages (OSHA)• Cages provided on ladders more than 24’

• Existing (installed before November 19, 2018) equipped with personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage or well

• New (installed after November 19, 2018) equipped with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system

• Final Deadline (on and after November 18, 2036) All fixed ladders equipped with a person fall arrest system or ladders safety system

• Recommended on shorter ladders in dangerous locations• Cages extend past exit point• Cages start between 7’ and 8’ above ground• Cage sizes and shapes set by code

Safety Cages (ANSI)

• Cages provided on ladders more than 24’• Recommended on shorter ladders in

dangerous locations• Cages extend past exit point• Cages start between 7’ and 8’ above

ground• Cage sizes and shapes are set by code

Landing Platforms• Landings provided at maximum intervals of 50’ • Rest platforms offset at each level• Rest platforms have handrails and toe boards on all

exposed sides• Landing minimum 24 inches by 30 inches• Ladder accessing landing have rung level with platform

Access Ladders: OSHA, ANSI, Design Criteria and Applications

4188 East Andrew Johnson HighwayMorristown, TN 37814

800-225-7814www.precisionladders.com

FL Series Wall Ladders

© Precision Ladders 2017