Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Bolted connections in fixed ladder cages

Summary A ladder manufacturer asked whether vertical cage bars could be bolted to a horizontal hoop with the nut head inside the cage. OSHA said it would allow the connection if it developed enough strength to meet the fixed ladder rule's load requirement. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1981-12-02-1
Date issued
December 2, 1981
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 1910 Fixed Ladders Equipment Safety Cages
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 2, 1981

Mr. R. E. McConomy
Engineering Services
Westeel Rosco Limited
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. McConomy:

This is in response to your letter of November 13, 1981, requesting a clarification of a fixed ladder requirement in 29 CFR 1910.27.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration would allow the connection of the vertical bars to the horizontal hoop using a bolt and nut with the head of the nut placed on the inside of the cage. However, the connection must develop enough strength to meet the load requirement in 29 CFR 1910.27(a)(1).

If we may be of further assistance, please call or write.

Sincerely,

Patrick R. Tyson
Acting Director,
Federal Compliance and State Programs

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