Securing ladders during precast-concrete connections

December 6, 1991

Mr. Sidney Freedman
Director
Architectural Precast Concrete Services
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Freedman:

Your letter of September 12 to Ms. Barbara Bielaski requesting suggestions for the protection of workers on ladders performing initial connecting work has been forwarded to the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance for reply. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

In respect to the use of ladders positioned against columns on the side of structures as illustrated in the pictures accompanying your letter, OSHA requires the base of the ladder be secured if used on a slippery concrete surface (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(7)) and that rails at the top of the ladder be supported equally (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(10)). As an added precaution, body belt/harness systems could be rigged to lifelines attached to the columns, or means could be provided to secure the top of the ladder in place by the use of a wide fork-like attachment at the top of the ladder that would overlap the sides of the column to prevent the ladder from sliding off the column.

With regard to employees who are not on ladders, the general fall protection requirements of Part 1926, Subparts E and M and Section 5(a)(1) of the Act apply.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy F. Gurnham or Mr. Dale R. Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523-8124.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark
Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]