Ladders are essential in any facility that utilizes elevated work surfaces, storage areas, and walkways to maximize the usable square footage of the facility. Most ladders used for this purpose are fixed ladders, which means they’re permanently attached to a mezzanine, catwalk, piece of equipment, or the building itself. In order to comply with OSHA fall protection guidelines, there are several steps you can take to protect workers on fixed ladders including installing ladder safety gates, integrating a ladder safety system, providing fall arrest systems to workers, and maintaining fixed ladders properly.
OSHA Requirements for Fixed Ladders
Whenever fixed ladders are being used anywhere in or on your building, you must make sure they meet the requirements in OSHA 1910.23 (d) including:
- Ladder steps or rungs must be evenly spaced, so workers aren’t exposed to undo fall risk.
- Steps or Rungs must have a non-slip surface to protect employees.
- Fixed ladders must be strong enough to handle their maximum intended load without failing.
- You must keep ladder steps or rungs clear of debris and other fall hazards.
Specific OSHA Fall Protection Device Requirements for Fixed Ladders
You may believe that a fixed ladder is much safer than a portable ladder, but the truth is both portable and fixed ladders present a fall hazard. Anytime workers have to climb a fixed ladder, especially when also carrying tools, equipment, or other items, there’s a risk of falls. Keeping your workers safe and your company OSHA compliant means abiding by OSHA 1910.28 in regard to fall protection for fixed ladders:
- Fixed ladders installed prior to November 19, 2018 must be equipped with a cage, well, ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system.
- Fixed ladders installed on or after November 19, 2018 must be equipped with a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system.
- If a section of your fixed ladder cage needs to be replaced, you must install a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system in at least that section of the cage.
- Employees must be protected from falling into a ladderway by means of a self closing gate, ladder safety gates, or guardrail offset to guide employees away from the danger.
What You Need to Know About Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Equipment
You understand that there are serious fall hazards associated with the fixed ladders in your facility. You also know you need to keep your workers safe and your company OSHA compliant. In order to accomplish these goals, you have to choose the right fall protection for your needs. You also need to be very careful to follow the standards for the fall protection equipment you choose. A few things you should know include:
Ladder Safety System
Ladder climbing safety systems are permanent vertical lifeline systems, that can be comprised of cable or rail. If you’re going to be equipping a fixed ladder with a ladder climbing safety system, each component must meet OSHA 1910.29(i) requirements. The ladder climbing safety system should be inspected prior to use and periodically based on the manufacturers requirements. Any worn, damaged, or otherwise defective equipment should be taken out of service immediately.
Personal Fall Arrest System
This type of system is designed to stop a fall and absorb the energy before the worker comes into contact with a lower level. A typical personal fall arrest system consists of a full body harness, connectors, and anchorage. Your fall arrest system must meet the standards detailed in OSHA 1910.140. It’s also imperative that the system is inspected prior to use regularly based on the manufacturers requirements, for any signs of damage or wear. Any piece of equipment that fails inspection or has been impacted, shall be removed from service immediately.
Ladder Safety Gates
Protecting the entrance of a ladderway is key to preventing falls in your facility. One way to do this is with metal swing gates that attach to the guardrail system used to protect the elevated surface the ladder leads to. In fact, a self closing gate is the preferred method of protecting ladder entrances in most facilities. Ladder safety gates and other types of self closing gate must meet the general requirements per OSHA 1910.29.
Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Begins with Training
No matter how many metal swing gates or other safety devices you install or provide, mistakes can still lead to falls. That’s why it’s vital that you provide adequate fall prevention training for incoming employees as well as ongoing training for all members of your organization. For fixed ladders, it’s important to teach workers to:
- Maintain three points of contact whenever climbing a ladder.
- Always face the ladder.
- Never over-extend to the side of the ladder.
- Do not carry loads that can cause a loss of balance on a fixed ladder.
- Inspect rungs or steps before use for signs of any dampness or anything slippery.
- Inspect the fall arrest system or ladder safety system for signs of damage.
- Properly secure the body harness, lanyard, lifeline, or other safety equipment.
- Enter and exit the ladder entrance through a self closing gate or metal swing gates.
How to Choose the Right OSHA Fall Protection Equipment
Whether you’re running a busy warehouse or an expanding manufacturing facility, you need to take full advantage of every square inch of space you have. That means elevated platforms, mezzanines, catwalks, and other work surfaces. While you may have guardrails or something similar installed around the perimeter, your workers still need access to the space, and it’s up to you to keep them safe as they climb those fixed ladders.
OSHA is very strict when it comes to requiring employers like you to comply with their standards and regulations. However, they’re not prone to giving specific advice about which safety device or system you should use in a given situation. For that, you need a qualified safety expert like the specialists at Fabenco. We’ve been a leading manufacturer of passive fall protection products, specializing in safety gates, for more than 45 years, and we’re OSHA compliance experts. Put our safety equipment expertise and industry experience to work for you to protect your employees from fall hazards in your facility and maintain your OSHA compliance.
