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Hinged rest platforms on fixed ladders

Summary OSHA wrote a ladder manufacturer after learning it advertised a fixed ladder with a hinged rest platform as OSHA compliant. OSHA said its fixed ladder rule did not allow hinged platforms, except for ladders used exclusively for emergency escape, and asked the company to address the claim. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1983-04-25-0
Date issued
April 25, 1983
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Emergency Egress
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

April 25, 1983

The President
Railoc Company, Inc.
Industrial Products Division
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Sir:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified recently that several manufacturing firms are currently building and selling a fixed ladder with cage, using a hinged rest platform and are advertising the product with the notation that it "complies with OSHA requirements." The information provided to us indicates that your company is one of those utilizing such marketing strategy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard on fixed ladders, 29 CFR 1910.27, does not allow the use of hinged platforms. One exception to the 29 CFR 1910.27 platform requirements is the use of ladders exclusively for emergency escape.

Manufacturers advertising that a ladder with hinged rest platform "complies with OSHA requirements" are apparently misinformed in this matter. Advertisements claiming such compliance with OSHA requirements may be in violation of statutes or regulations administered by the Federal Trade Commission.

I would appreciate hearing from you concerning appropriate action taken in this matter.

Sincerely,

Bruce Hillenbrand Acting Director,
Federal Compliance and State Programs

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