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Shop EGA’s Online StoreAt EGA Products, safety and quality are two of our top requirements in manufacturing a product. That is why all of our products are OSHA compliant, with some products being CAL-OSHA, ANSI, and IBC compliant. It is always good idea to check with your safety department and local safety codes when it comes to industrial products. If you are ever in question if one of our products meets a certain code or can be manufactured to meet certain codes, contact us. Read below to learn more about our rolling ladders and OSHA’s requirements.
OSHA Standards for Ladders
The OSHA code that ladders falls under is OSHA 1910.23 – Ladders. There are five different sections that fall under this code labeled a to e. Section (e) of OSHA 1910.23 relates to rolling ladders, all codes relating to this section are listed in the table below. Additional safety OSHA codes for rolling ladders also fall under OSHA 1926.1053 – Stairways and Ladders.
OSHA Rolling Ladder Requirements – 1910.23(e) | |
|---|---|
| OSHA Number | Definition |
| 1910.23(e) | Rolling ladders, mobile ladder stands and platforms |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(i)* | Rolling ladders must have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm) |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(ii) | Steps and platforms must be slip resistant either by design/construction or secondary process/operation |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(iii) | Stands and platforms are capable of supporting at least 4x their maximum intended load |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(iv) | Casters or wheels under load must support 4x the maximum intended load, plus their proportional share of the ladders/unit’s weight |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(v) | Unless otherwise specified, rolling ladders and platforms with a top step height of 4 feet (1.2 m) or above, must have handrails with a vertical height of 29.5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step (Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special use applications) |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(vi) | The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize the mobile ladder stands and platforms and prevent overturning must be used |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(vii) | Mobile ladder stands and platforms that have wheels or casters are equipped with a system to impede horizontal movement when an employee is on the stand or platform |
| 1910.23(e)(1)(viii)* | No rolling ladder can move while you or an employee is on it |
| 1910.23(e)(2) | Rolling Ladder Stand Design Requirements. The employer must ensure: |
| 1910.23(e)(2)(i) | Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). The slope of the step stringer to which the steps are attached must not be more than 60 degrees, measured from the horizontal |
| 1910.23(e)(2)(ii) | Rolling ladders with a top step height above 10 feet (3 m) have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm); and top steps that are 20 inches (51 cm) or more, front to back, have a midrail and toeboard. (Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special-use applications) |
| 1910.23(e)(2)(iii) | The standing area of a rolling ladder is within the base frame |
| 1910.23(e)(3) | Platform Design Requirements. The employer must ensure: |
| 1910.23(e)(3)(i) | Steps of mobile ladder stand platforms meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section. When the employer demonstrates that the requirement is not feasible, steeper slopes or vertical rung ladders may be used, provided the units are stabilized to prevent overturning; |
| 1910.23(e)(3)(ii) | Rolling ladders with a platform height of 4-10 feet (1.2-3 m) have, in the platform area, handrails with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm) and midrails; and |
| 1910.23(e)(3)(iii) | All ladder stand platforms with a platform height above 10 feet (3 m) have guardrails and toeboards on the exposed sides and ends of the platform |
| 1910.23(e)(3)(iv) | Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used on mobile ladder stand platforms instead of handrails and guardrails in special-use applications |
Along with knowing the OSHA codes for rolling ladders, knowing the types of treads on rolling ladders, and knowing how to pick out a rolling ladder are crucial in the buying process. Rolling stairs OSHA codes are followed strictly when manufacturing all of our rolling stairs/ladders.
EGA Rolling Ladders
With over 300+ models at EGA, we got the rolling ladders that you need. Check out our collection of rolling ladders and rolling work platforms. All products from EGA are proudly made in the USA at our Wisconsin or North Carolina locations. Reach out to us at 800-937-3427 or fill out a contact form if you have any questions.
Is it ok by OSHA standards to repair a rolling ladder that got slightly bent a the base?
Yes, as long as the repair is properly made by someone qualified to make the repair and is following the instruction from the manufacturer.
Should these step ladders be numbered? How often should they be inspected and maintenanced?
The rolling ladders don’t have to be numbered but it would help keep it easy to assign the ladder for an individual/team to be responsible for maintaining the ladder. We recommend once a month for regularly used ladders and before each use for occasionally used ladders.
Hello, are employees required to descend a rolling ladder while facing the ladder? Or do they face out, away from the ladder while descending?
Thank you,
Employees must face the ladder when descending the rolling ladder according to OSHA 1926.1053(b)(20) except when the slope of the steps is 50 degrees or less above the horizontal. (ANSI-ASC A14.7-2011. Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms. 6.10)
Does the three points of contact apply to these ladders?
Yes, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(12) states “Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it” to ensure that workers maintain the “three points of contact” while climbing the ladder.
Do you know if there is any floor requirement to use rolling ladders?
ANSI code 14.7 states that rolling ladders should be on relatively smooth, hard, and level surfaces, and need not consider unusual surface conditions or other factors which may affect their performance. Simply put, units shall only be used on a level surface and not to be used on uneven or sloping surfaces.
This safety rolling ladder applies the 3-point contact OSHA rule?
Yes, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(12) states “Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it” to ensure that workers maintain the “three points of contact” while climbing the ladder.