Stairways and Ladders For Residential Construction

Developed under an OSHA Susan B. Harwood Grant, #46F4-HT01, by the Associated Builders and Contractors-Central Texas Chapter

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Stairways and Ladders

For Residential Construction


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Disclaimer/Usage Notes• Photos shown in this presentation may depict situations that are not

in compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. • It is not the intent of the content developers to provide compliance-

based training in this presentation, the intent is more to address hazard awareness in the residential construction industry, and to recognize the overlapping hazards present in many construction workplaces.

• It should NOT be assumed that the suggestions, comments, or recommendations contained herein constitute a thorough review of the applicable standards, nor should discussion of “issues” or “concerns” be construed as a prioritization of hazards or possible controls. Where opinions (“best practices”) have been expressed, it is important to remember that safety issues in general and construction jobsites specifically will require a great deal of site- or hazard-specificity – a “one size fits all” approach is not recommended, nor will it likely be very effective.


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Disclaimer/Usage Notes• No representation is made as to the thoroughness of the presentation,

nor to the exact methods of remediation to be taken. It is understood that site conditions vary constantly, and that the developers of this content cannot be held responsible for safety problems they did not address or could not anticipate, nor those which have been discussed herein or during physical presentation. It is the responsibility of the employer, its subcontractors, and its employees to comply with all pertinent rules and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they work. Copies of all OSHA regulations are available from your local OSHA office, and many pertinent regulations and supporting documents have been provided with this presentation in electronic or printed format. This presentation is intended to discuss Federal Regulations only - your individual State requirements may be more stringent.

• It is assumed that individuals using this presentation or content to augment their training programs will be “qualified” to do so, and that said presenters will be otherwise prepared to answer questions, solve problems, and discuss issues with their audiences.


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Disclaimer/Usage Notes• Areas of particular concern (or especially suited to discussion) have

additionally been marked with a ? symbol throughout the program…as a presenter, you should be prepared to discuss all of the potential issues/concerns, or problems inherent in those photos particularly.


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Stairways & Ladders

Injuries & Fatalities:• 24,882 injuries, nearly half (11,570) are

lost workday injuries• 77 fatalities


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General Requirements

• A stair or ladder must be provided at a break in elevation of 19” or more

• Access points kept clear for free passage


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Stairways

• Uniform riser height and tread depth• Variations not over 1/4 inch for any

stairway


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Stairway Protection

• Stairs must have railings;– with 4 or more treads, – or more than 30 inches high


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Stairway - Handrails & Guardrails

• Stair rails at least 36” from tread to top of rail

• Midrails, screens, mesh, etc provided between top rail and the stairway steps

• If screens/mesh is used, it must enclose entire opening


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Ladders

• Extension ladders used at an angle so that the horizontal distance is 1/4 the working ladder length

• Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is 1/8 the working ladder height.


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Too Flat


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Use of all Ladders

• Use only on stable level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement

• The area around top and bottom of all ladders shall be kept clear of tripping hazards

• Ladders never moved, shifted or extended while occupied


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Job-Made Ladders

ANSI 14.4 – 1992


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Side Rails

• Stress Grade Lumber – #2 Southern Pine– #2 Douglas Fir– FJL (Finger-joint Lumber) is acceptable


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Rungs

• 1 x 4 Nominal Dimension minimum– Knots < ¾ ” Diameter– No more than 2 per cleat span

• No closer than 6” center to center– No closer than 1” from top or bottom edge

OR• Use 2 x 4 material


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Cleats

• Material tight from rung to rung– Can be similar material (1 x 2 or 2 x 2)– Flat straps can be used– # 9 wire can be stapled


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Fasteners

• Nail Types– Plain shank– Ring shank


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Attachments

• Rungs & Cleats– 1 x 4

• Three, 3” long, 10d Common nails– 2 x 4

• Three, 3 ½” long, 12d Common nails

• Spacing of nails– Stagger ¼” or more– At least 1” from edges


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Length

• Maximum length 24’

• Ladders that extend to landing must have walk-through top section


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Width

• Minimum of 16” between side rails• Maximum of 20” between side rails

• Double ladders can be double widthplus the width of the rails


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Rung Spacing

• Minimum 8”• Maximum 12”• Variation + 1/4”


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Use of all Ladders

• Never use metal ladders near exposed energized electrical equipment


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Inspection

• Inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis

• Defective ladders tagged “Do Not Use” and removed from service


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Proper Use

• User shall face the ladder when ascending or descending

• At least one hand shall be grasping the ladder while climbing up or down

• Employees should not carry a load that could cause them to lose balance


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Step Ladders

• Never use as a straight ladder– Used only in open and locked position

• Cross-bracing on the rear side not used for climbing unless designed for such use

• The top or top step of a ladder shall not be used as a step


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Use?


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Questions?• Answers to additional questions can be

found in the following source materials– 29 CFR 1926 Construction Regulations– ANSI Standards

• ANSI A14.1 Manufactured Wood Ladders• ANSI A14.2 Portable Metal Ladders• ANSI A14.3 Fixed Ladders• ANSI A14.4 Job-Made Ladders• ANSI A14.5 Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders

Stairways and Ladders For Residential Construction

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