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. They are primarily used in industrial settings.

All fixed ladders must comply with the safety requirements set by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27. 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 by continuation of the rungs or by providing 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:

• 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 3/4 inch for metal ladders and 1 1/8 inches for wood ladders.
• Rungs cannot be more than 12 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.

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

1. Ladder safety devices
2. Self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet
3. 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.

Safety devices, such as harnesses, may be used in place of cages or wells. The safety device selected must be able to withstand a drop test of a 500-pound free fall from a distance of 18 inches. It must also allow the climber to ascend or descend without having to hold, push, or pull any part of the device so that both hands are free to grip the ladder. In the event of a fall, the device must be active within 2 feet. The connection between the lifeline and the point of attachment must be no longer than 9 inches in length.

Maintenance

Fixed ladders also require special maintenance activities since they are often exposed to weather and other environmental elements. Corrosion must be minimized in the use of carbon-steel ladders, and rot must be minimized in the use of wood ladders. Periodic inspections should be done to identify signs of rust, corrosion, and deterioration. The inspection should take a close look at all major components, including the rungs, side rails, supports, fasteners, anchors, grab bars, platforms, and extensions. If any structural defects have been identified, the ladder should be removed from service and labeled accordingly.

To learn more about Ladder & Stairway Safety visit our Ladder & Stairway Safety Online Training web page.