Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Safe access to tubular steel scaffolds

Summary A scaffold manufacturer asked what counted as safe access to tubular scaffolds. OSHA said stairs, suitable ramps or runways, and ladder-like configurations could qualify, but the submitted variable-rung design appeared out of compliance. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1977-12-15
Date issued
December 15, 1977
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Scaffolds Access 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.

The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

December 15, 1977
Mr. James Somero
Vanguard Manufacturing Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Somero:
This is in response to your letter of October 26, 1977, regarding an interpretation of the standards regulating access for tubular steel scaffolding.
In 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(13) the standard states: "An access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be provided." The "equivalent safe access" to any scaffolding may include permanent or temporary stairways, suitable ramps or runways, or configurations that are similar to ladders as described in 29 CFR 1926.450 ladders; the main requisite being that reasonable safety of employees is assured when using such means of access and egress.
If would appear from your enclosed drawing that your ladder attached to the scaffold frame is not in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(13). However, consideration of this variable rung spacing type of access is being reviewed at this time by the Office of Standards Development.
Thank you for your concern and continued interest in occupational safety and health.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming

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