Meeting OSHA fall protection requirements for ladders is important to maintain safe access to roofs and mezzanines. Along with an increased risk of falls, the ladder becomes more top-heavy and potentially less stable, meaning OSHA ladder regulations often require tying ladders down to prevent them from moving during use.
One reliable solution for keeping ladders stationary is a ladder dock, which provides a secure attachment point between the ladder and its upper point of contact. It also invokes several other safety considerations for all-around ladder safety, including placement and accessibility.
Ladder Docks: Frequently Asked Questions
For those with questions about ladders docks, clear, actionable information is essential to meeting OSHA fall protection standards, especially for safety issues involving fall hazards.
Are Ladder Docks Really Necessary?
OSHA Part 1910, Subpart D (at 1910.23) outlines general industry requirements for ladders of all kinds, while Part 1926 Subpart X variously covers ladder requirements for construction (especially at 1926.1053). While neither subpart specifically mentions ladder docks, they both frequently discuss the need to ensure ladders are “secured” to prevent accidental displacement (e.g., 1910.23[c][7][i] and 1926.1053[b][8]).
How safety managers secure their ladders is largely up to them, but it’s much easier and safer to use a designated ladder dock suited for the specific type of ledge.
What to Consider When Choosing a Ladder Dock?
Ladder docks require a solid attachment point – or as OSHA 1926.1053(b)(1) puts it, “a rigid support that will not deflect,” even under a load. You’ll need to take several other factors into consideration as well:
- The shape of the ladder dock and the ledge it must attach to (parapets, for example, may require specialized ladder docks)
- A suitable space for the ladder’s rails to fit into the dock, but close enough for easy attachment via chains or cables
- Whether the dock is intended for temporary or permanent ladder attachment – in the former case, an easier attachment/detachment method is usually preferable (such as a slotted eyelet for chains)
- If the ladder dock is intended for indoor or outdoor use (i.e., how corrosion resistant it needs to be – which metal ladders must be as well, per 1910.23[b][6] and 1926.1053[b][16] and [17])
- The dock must have a surface finish that won’t snag clothes or create puncture/laceration risks (1926.1053[a][11])
- Whether the ladder dock or ladder may encounter energized electrical equipment, where non-conductive materials are an important consideration (see 1926.1053[b][12])
How Do I Implement a Ladder Dock?
OSHA 1910.23(c)(7), requires securing mobile ladders to prevent accidental displacement wherever work activity or site traffic poses a risk. According to OSHA, this includes at minimum:
- Passageways
- Doorways
- Driveways
High-activity industrial sites, especially those relying on mobile machinery, present yet further risks of displacing ladders. In all cases, it’s important to keep materials, tools, and traffic around ladders to a minimum.
Employers can also have set up a temporary barricade (e.g., traffic cones or caution tape) around such ladders to minimize the risk of displacement. Yet this is much less ideal than physically securing the ladder (or implementing both methods).
The ladder dock secures the ladder, preventing it from moving while an employee is using it, (per 1910.23[c][6]). Moving ladders while an employee is on it should not be attempted even for ladders equipped with wheels or rolling/sliding implements. Rather, you must remove the ladder without anyone on it, then secure the portable ladder in its new location.
Are Further Measures Required to Stabilize the Ladder?
Securing a ladder to an elevated surface isn’t the only OSHA fall protection requirement for ladders. There are several other important precautions, including:
- Never place ladders on unstable bases to achieve greater height (1910.23[c][13])
- Avoid placing the ladder on slippery surfaces, or if unavoidable, equip the feet of the ladder with slip-resistant covers (1910.23[c][9])
- When using a portable ladder to reach an upper landing surface, the ladder’s side rails must extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the landing (1910.23[c][11]), with limited exceptions for construction (see 1926.1053[b][1])
- While using a properly secured portable ladder on an uneven surface is technically within compliance (1910.23[c][4] and 1926.1053[b][6]), it’s much safer to place ladders on even surfaces
- The same is true for securing both ladder side rails, not just one – while not technically required for compliance if using a single support attachment (1910.23[c][10]), it’s safer to support both rails when at all possible
- Always heed the ladder’s maximum intended load (1910.23[c][3]), which by definition (OSHA 1910.21[b]) includes the total weight and force of:
- The employee
- Their tools
- Any equipment and materials being carried
- To achieve the proper ladder angle, the horizontal distance between the foot of the ladder and the top support should be approximately one-quarter of the ladder’s working length (1926.1053[b][5][i])
Also keep the area around the ladder clear from debris, tools, and clutter of any kind. That includes the top and bottom areas, to prevent risks of falls and falling objects.
Should I Also Control Access to the Ladder?
When used in conjunction, a ladder dock and metal swing gate or pallet gate can achieve the best combination of physical and operational security. In fact, properly designed gates fulfill the same regulatory requirements as guardrails, at OSHA 1910.29(b) and 1926.502(b).
This is enormously useful to maintain workplace safety on any walking-working surface 4 ft (1.2 m) or 6 ft (1.6 m) above the surface below (for general industry and construction, respectively) without losing accessibility. Scenarios where this may come in handy include:
- At the top of an elevated platform, keeping in mind that you may need grab bars extending at least 42 in. (1.1 m) above the platform (e.g., 1926.1053[a][27])
- As a compliant alternative to guardrails for mobile ladder stands (re: 1910.23[e][1][v] and [e][3][iv])
- Providing ladderway access around holes (1926.1053[b][13] and 1910.23[b][13]), where metal swing gates save more space than the alternative (offsetting the entrance to the hole)
- Leading workers more safely onto a roof structure with a parallel guardrail/safety gate system at the top of the docked ladder (see 1910.28[b][13])
If the width of the ladder access area is a concern, it’s possible to design and configure metal swing gates into a dual gate solution known as a pallet gate. Pallet gates are an ideal solution for elevated walking-working surfaces requiring wider access – 44–79 in. (1.1–2 m) – than single metal swing gates can provide, even while maintaining leading edge protection at all other times.
A special universal-fit clamp-on design enables easy integration with a variety of platforms and landings, while impact resistant bumpers protect materials from damage. These are an ideal solution when portable ladder access locations must also double for pallet storage areas accessible by forklifts (after removing the ladder).
What Other Ladder Regulations Do I Need to Be Aware Of?
It’s impossible to account for every variable at a given worksite without thorough analysis of your OSHA, state equivalent, or CCOHS regulations, and applying them to your specific location and operational needs.
There’s simply no alternative when learning how to apply any workplace safety equipment properly – but as far as selection, your interests are best served by choosing a fall protection device manufacturer with an extensive track record of innovation and service. A pallet gate, for example, is only as effective as it is usable, making easy, universal mounting essential to support maximum versatility as ladder use requirements change.
Fabenco: A Multi-Industry Leader in Fall Protection Solutions
For over 45 years, Fabenco by Tractel has been fully dedicated to improving fall protection workplace safety in the widest possible range of industrial settings. In our experience, we’ve learned that, while ladder safety is one of the most obvious fall protection duties, what’s not so obvious is how to meet that duty using ladders on a variety of surfaces and elevated structures.
Ladder docks are extremely helpful for securing ladders consistently and reliably. Used in conjunction with metal swing gates, you’ll maximize OSHA fall protection compliance while preventing the most common workplace injuries. Contact us for further assistance optimizing ladder safety at your facility or construction site.
