Long Fixed Ladders

If a fixed ladder is longer than 24 feet, it must be equipped with one of the following options:

• Ladder safety devices
• Self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet
• A cage or well and multiple ladder sections, with each section not to exceed 50 feet

Cages provide horizontal bands around the climber. The horizontal bands must be spaced at intervals less than 4 feet from the centerline of each band. The bands must be fastened to the side rail or directly to the building or structure. Additionally, the cage must be at least 27 inches wide, and there can be no projections inside the cage. Similar to the requirements for rungs, the cage must extend at least 42 inches above the top of the platform or point of access.

A well is a permanent enclosure around a fixed ladder. The ladder is attached to the walls of the well. Wells must completely encircle the ladder and be free of any projections. The well must be at least 30 inches wide. The bottom of the well above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder must be between 7 feet and 8 feet.

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