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1910.23(c) Portable Ladders

OSHA 1910 General Industry > D Walking-Working Surfaces > 1910.23 Ladders > 1910.23(c) Portable Ladders

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The employer must ensure:

1910.23(c)(1)

Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping;

Each stepladder or combination ladder used in a stepladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in an open position while the ladder is in use;

1910.23(c)(3)

Ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load;

Note to paragraph (c)(3): The maximum intended load, as defined in § 1910.21(b), includes the total load (weight and force) of the employee and all tools, equipment, and materials being carried.

1910.23(c)(4)

Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement;

1910.23(c)(5)

No portable single rail ladders are used;

1910.23(c)(6)

No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it;

1910.23(c)(7)

Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic:

1910.23(c)(7)(i)

Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or

1910.23(c)(7)(ii)

Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder;

1910.23(c)(8)

The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps;

1910.23(c)(9)

Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized;

1910.23(c)(10)

The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment;

1910.23(c)(11)

Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section);