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OSHA Ladder Inspection Checklists - General Requirements, Portable Ladders, Fixed Ladders, Mobile Ladder Stands

The OSHA Ladder Inspection Checklists covers all ladders and its general requirements. This form is a guide meant for employers to ensure that all ladders used are safe and meets the requirements.
MaintainX
04/26/2021

OSHA Ladder Inspection Checklists - General Requirements, Portable Ladders, Fixed Ladders, Mobile Ladder Stands

The OSHA Ladder Inspection Checklists covers all ladders and its general requirements. This form is a guide meant for employers to ensure that all ladders used are safe and meets the requirements.

    1910.23(a) Application. The employer must ensure that each ladder used meets the requirements of this section. This section covers all ladders, except when the ladder is:

    1910.23(a)(1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; o

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(a)(2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders. The employer must ensure

    1910.23(b)(1) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(2) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that:

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(2)(i) Ladder rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be spaced not less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart and not more than 16.5 inches (42 cm) apart, as measured along the ladder side rails; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(2)(ii) Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(3) Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart, as measured between the center lines of the steps;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(4) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats have a minimum clear width of 11.5 inches (29 cm) on portable ladders and 16 inches (41 cm) (measured before installation of ladder safety systems) for fixed ladders, except that

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(4)(i) The minimum clear width does not apply to ladders with narrow rungs that are not designed to be stepped on, such as those located on the tapered end of orchard ladders and similar ladders

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(4)(ii) Rungs and steps of manhole entry ladders that are supported by the manhole opening must have a minimum clear width of 9 inches (23 cm);

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(4)(iii) Rungs and steps on rolling ladders used in telecommunication centers must have a minimum clear width of 8 inches (20 cm); and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(4)(iv) Stepstools have a minimum clear width of 10.5 inches (26.7 cm);

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(5) Wooden ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(6) Metal ladders are made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(7) Ladder surfaces are free of puncture and laceration hazards;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(8) Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(9) Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(10) Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(11) Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(12) Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(b)(13) No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c) Portable ladders. The employer must ensure

    1910.23(c)(1) Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(2) Each stepladder or combination ladder used in a stepladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in an open position while the ladder is in use;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(3) Ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load; Note to paragraph (c)(3): The maximum intended load, as defined in § 1910.21(b), includes the total load (weight and force) of the employee and all tools, equipment, and materials bein

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(4) Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(5) No portable single rail ladders are used

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(6) No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(7) Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(7)(i) Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(7)(ii) Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(8) The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(9) Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(11) Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section);

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(12) Ladders and ladder sections are not tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(c)(13) Ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Figure D-1 -- Portable Ladder Set-up

    1910.23(d) Fixed ladders. The employer must ensure:

    1910.23(d)(1) Fixed ladders are capable of supporting their maximum intended load

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(2)The minimum perpendicular distance from the center line of the steps or rungs,or grab bars,or both, to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder is 7 inches(18 cm),except for elevator pit ladders,which have a minimum perpendicular di

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(3) Grab bars do not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder that they serve;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(4) The side rails of through or sidestep ladders extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For parapet ladders, the access level is:

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(4)(i) The roof, if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; or

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(4)(ii) The top of the parapet, if the parapet is continuous;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(5) For through ladders, the steps or rungs are omitted from the extensions, and the side rails are flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61cm) and not more than 30 inches (76 cm) of clearance.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(5) When a ladder safety system is provided, the maximum clearance between side rails of the extension must not exceed 36 inches (91 cm);

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(6) For side-step ladders, the side rails, rungs, and steps must be continuous in the extension (see Figure D-2 of this section);

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(7) Grab bars extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(8) The minimum size (cross-section) of grab bars is the same size as the rungs of the ladder.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(9) When a fixed ladder terminates at a hatch (see Figure D-3 of this section), the hatch cover:

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(9)(i) Opens with sufficient clearance to provide easy access to or from the ladder; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(9)(ii) Opens at least 70 degrees from horizontal if the hatch is counterbalanced;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(10) Individual-rung ladders are constructed to prevent the employee's feet from sliding off the ends of the rungs (see Figure D-4 of this section)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(11) Fixed ladders having a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal are not used;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(12) The step-across distance from the center line of the rungs or steps is:

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(12)(i) For through ladders, not less than 7 inches (18 cm) and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) to the nearest edge of the structure, building, or equipment accessed from the ladders;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(12)(ii) For side-step ladders, not less than 15 inches (38 cm) and not more than 20 inches (51 cm) to the access points of the platform edge;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(13) Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells have:

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(13)(i) A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(d)(13)(ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be r

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Note to paragraph (d): Section 1910.28 establishes the employer's duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders, and § 1910.29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders.

    Figure D-2 -- Slide-Step Fixed Ladder Sections.

    Figure D-3 -- Example of Counterbalanced Hatch Cover at Roof.

    Figure D-4 -- Individual Rung Ladder.

    Figure D-5 -- Fixed Ladder Clearances.

    1910.23(e) Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1) General requirements. The employer must ensure

    1910.23(e)(1)(i) Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(ii) The steps and platforms of mobile ladder stands and platforms are slip resistant. Slip-resistant surfaces must be either an integral part of the design and construction of the mobile ladder stand and platform, or provided as a secondary

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(iii) Mobile ladder stands and platforms are capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended load;

    1910.23(e)(1)(iv) Wheels or casters under load are capable of supporting their proportional share of four times the maximum intended load, plus their proportional share of the unit's weight;

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(v) Unless otherwise specified in this section, mobile ladder stands and platforms with a top step height of 4 feet (1.2 m) or above have handrails with a vertical height of 29.5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front ed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(vi) The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(vii) Mobile ladder stands and platforms that have wheels or casters are equipped with a system to impede horizontal movement when an employee is on the stand or platform; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(1)(viii) No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(2) Design requirements for mobile ladder stands. The employer must ensure

    1910.23(e)(2)(i) Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). The slope of the step stringer to which the steps are attached must not be more than 60 degrees, measur

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(2)(ii) Mobile ladder stands with a top step height above 10 feet (3 m) have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm); and top steps that are 20 inches (51 cm) or more, front to bac

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(2)(iii) The standing area of mobile ladder stands is within the base frame.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(3) Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms. The employer must ensure:

    1910.23(e)(3)(i) Steps of mobile ladder stand platforms meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section. When the employer demonstrates that the requirement is not feasible, steeper slopes or vertical rung ladders may be used, provided the un

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(3)(ii) Mobile ladder stand platforms with a platform height of 4 to 10 feet (1.2 m to 3 m) have, in the platform area, handrails with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm) and midrails; and

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(3)(iii) All ladder stand platforms with a platform height above 10 feet (3 m) have guardrails and toeboards on the exposed sides and ends of the platform.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    1910.23(e)(3)(iv) Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used on mobile ladder stand platforms instead of handrails and guardrails in special-use applications.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

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