What’s Changed for Fixed Ladders Under OSHA 1910
Fixed ladders provide stability when ascending to an elevated work surface because they are fastened to the building or a secure surface. In the past, OSHA has required cages for ladders taller than 20 feet, but as of January 2017, fall protection is required on ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet. Several of the important changes are listed below:
- New height requirement. Fall protection is required on ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet.
- New equipment specification. As of November 18th, 2018, cages are no longer considered compliant fall protection in newly installed ladders. To meet OSHA standards, a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system is required.
- Repair/replacement specification. As of November 18th, 2018, a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system will be used to replace any damaged or nonfunctioning section, cage or well previously installed on a fixed ladder.
- OSHA is giving general industry a heads up and deadline. As of November 18th 2036, cages will no longer be accepted as a form of fall protection, and all fixed ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet high must use a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system.
Timing and Deadlines
Why the time gap? OSHA is giving general industry workplaces, including warehouses, utilities, retail and manufacturing, some time to transition. If you already have a cage attached to a fixed ladder, OSHA will accept its use for the next 19 years. The dates you need to remember are:
November 19, 2018: all 24 feet tall, fixed ladders installed or replaced at this time must have compliant fall protection. November 18, 2036: cages cannot be installed as viable fall protection. All fixed ladders used in general industry will adhere to the same fall protection requirements.
- For new fixed ladders erected on or after November 19,2018, the employer must equip the ladder with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B))
- For ladder repairs and replacements, when an employer replaces any portion of a fixed ladder, the replacement must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C))
- After November 18, 2036 all fixed ladders must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D))
American Ladders has fixed ladder fall protection solutions to meet all your needs. Please call 860-657-9252 to find out the safest solution for your ladders.
