Although little has changed with the basic structure of the ladder throughout human existence, much as changed regarding the use, regulations and safety guidelines for various types of ladders. The Occupational and Health Safety Administration, formed first in 1970, revolutionized the nationwide movement to protect citizens from injury and illness at work. Ladders, a tool used in countless professions, are regulated strictly under the OSHA rules and guidelines. The professional ladder manufacturers at Calico Ladders are experts in designing special application ladders that comply with OSHA regulations, as well as customizing fall protection solutions for specific needs. They have compiled a quick guide to some of the most important OSHA guidelines for ladders.

-Ladders (in General)

• Ladder rungs, cleats and steps must be parallel, level and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
• A double cleated ladder or two or more ladders must be provided when ladders are the only way to enter or exit a work area having 25 or more employees, or when a ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic.
• Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to create longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use.
• Two or more separate ladders used to reach an elevated work area must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders, except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders.
• Ladder components must be surfaced to prevent injury from punctures or lacerations, and prevent snagging clothing.

-Fixed Ladders

Fixed ladders, or permanent ladders secured to the side of a structure, are found in just about every commercial building, usually required by building codes in order to reach equipment located on the roof. Because ladders seem basic and are relatively small in size, they are often overlooked in design and construction and many contractors wait until the last moment to consider the fixed ladder for their structure. This assumption can be detrimental, as there are many specific safety requirements about the construction, maintenance and installation of fixed ladders. Ignoring this step in the process can cause inspection issues and more importantly, safety issue. Here are a few important OSAH guidelines about fixed ladders.

• A fixed ladder must be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments. Fixed ladders also must support added anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from using ladder safety devices.
• Ladder extensions- the side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 ½ ft above parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, the rungs shall be omitted from the extension and shall have not less than 18 nor more than 24 in clearance between rails. For side-step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs shall be carried to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3 ½ ft minimum.
• Individual rung/step ladders must extend at least 42 in above an access level or landing platform either by the continuation of the rung spacing as horizontal grab bars or by providing vertical grab bars that must have the same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the ladder rails.
• Each step or rung of a fixed ladder must be able to support at least 250 pounds applied in the middle of the step or rung
  The rungs of individual rung/step ladders must be shaped to prevent slipping off the end of the rungs.
• The rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid resistant material or treated to minimize slipping.
• The side rails of through or side step fixed ladders must extend 42 in above the top level or landing platform served by the ladder.

-Fixed Ladder Cages

Cages surround the ladder and help in fall prevention by providing more area for the climber to support themselves and in case of a fall, cages provide more opportunity for the climber to catch themselves. Cages are optional for any ladder less than 20 feet in length, but in ladders longer than 20 ft, they are required. Cages must be designed with OSHA safety regulations in mind. Here are a few of the most notable and important guidelines.

• Horizontal bands must be fastened to the side of rails of rail ladders or directly to the structure, building or equipment for individual rung ladders.
• Vertical bars must be on the inside of the horizontal bands and must be fastened to them.
• The inside of the cage must be clear of projections.
• The bottom of the cage must be between 7ft and 8 ft above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder.
• The top of the cage must be a minimum of 42 in above the top of the platform or the point of access at the top of the ladder. Provisions must be made for access to the platform or other point of access.

The ladder designers and manufacturers at Calico Ladders, Inc. construct their fixed ladders out of durable, heavy duty materials such as steel (galvanized, primed, mill or painted), stainless steel, aluminum and fiberglass. All of their ladders meet safety requirements imposed by OSHA, and all other industry standards can be met by request.Calico fixed ladders and cages can be fully customized to meet your specific needs, and can be shipped fully assembled for quick and easy installation. If you are in the market for safe, reliable fixed ladders for your project, call Calico Ladders at (800)-403-7024, or fill out a contact form on their website at http://www.calicoladders.com