Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Rungs above a ladder landing

Summary A construction association asked whether rungs must be removed when a ladder extends more than 36 inches above a landing. OSHA said the cited standards did not require removing those rungs to let workers step between the side rails. The online letter carries a May 2004 correction note.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1975-04-07
Date issued
April 7, 1975
Status
Active
OSHA marks its online letter corrected on May 28, 2004.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Ladders
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

April 7, 1975
Mr. Monte Geiger
Associated General Contractors
Inland Empire Chapter E.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Monte:
This is in answer to your request for an interpretation on OSHA standard [1926.451(e)(2) and 1926.1053(b)(1)] concerning ladders.
We are in agreement with the interpretation you referenced; that is, ladders extending more than 36 inches above the landing need not have the rungs above the landing removed so as to facilitate employees stepping between the side rails. Common sense may dictate that this be done in certain instances, but the standards do not require it.
Thank you for your interest and if I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
John A. Granchi
Associate Assistant Regional Director
Office of Technical Support
[Corrected 5/28/2004]

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace