Equivalent fixed ladder cages and first-rung spacing
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.
NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 4, 1978
Mr. James T. Tester
Layout Draftsman
Envirotech - Buell
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Tester:
This is in response to your letter dated November 21, 1978, requesting information on fixed ladders and cages.
The general industry safety and health standards for fixed ladders and cages specifically 29 CFR 1910.27(d)(1)(i) requires cages or wells (except on chimney ladders) to be built, as shown on the applicable drawings, covered in detail in figures D-7, D-8, and D-9, or of equivalent construction. Although your four sketches of safety cages do not meet the exact details of the above mentioned figures, they appear to provide equivalent construction.
Regarding the spacing of the initial ladder rung, it is permissible to vary the distance from the ground, floor, platform, etc., to the first rung up to 12 inches at the bottom of the ladder and then keep a 12 inch spacing for the rest of the length of the ladder.
If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming
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