Fixed Ladders

Fixed ladders are permanently attached to a building or other structure, such as a tank, tower, or tunnel. They are non-self-supporting and non-adjustable in length. Fixed ladders are primarily used in industrial settings.

All fixed ladders must comply with the safety requirements set by OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053. These requirements include the following:

• The ladder must be able to support at least two loads of 250 lbs. on any two consecutive points of attachment.
• The ladder must be able to withstand rigging, impact loads, and various weather conditions, such as wind and ice.
• The ladder must extend at least 42 inches above an access level or landing platform, either by continuation of the rungs or the inclusion of vertical grab bars.
• The pitch must be between 60 degrees and 90 degrees from the horizontal. The preferred pitch is between 75 degrees and 90 degrees from the horizontal.

In addition, the following safety requirements apply to the rungs and cleats on a fixed ladder:

• The rungs must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced.
• Each rung or step must be able to support at least 250 lbs. applied to the middle of the rung or step.
• All rungs must have a minimum diameter of three-quarters of an inch for metal ladders and 1 and one-eighth inches for wood ladders.
• Rungs cannot be spaced less than 10 inches apart or more than 14 inches apart.
• Rungs must be at least 16 inches long.
• Rungs, cleats, and steps should be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections that may be hazardous.
• Rungs should be shaped to prevent slipping. The rungs or steps of any metal fixed ladder must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or treated to minimize slipping.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.