Osha Standards For Roof Access Ladders

Occupational safety and health standards.

Osha standards for roof access ladders.

In general the standards require the following. When a ladder safety system is provided the maximum clearance between side rails of the extension must not exceed 36 inches 91 cm. 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. When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches 48 cm or more and no ramp runway embankment or personnel hoist is available employers must provide a stairway or ladder at all worker points of access.

If the parapet is continuous the access level shall be the top of the parapet. A ladder that is less than 24 feet high does not require a fall arrest system of any sort. You can choose any pfas provided it meets the osha requirements in section 1926 502 d. Following osha standard strictly could leave you and your company with a liability should an accident occur.

The side rails of through or side step fixed ladders shall extend 42 inches 1 1 m above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For a parapet ladder the access level shall be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet. 24 inches this extension above the access level must be at least 24 inches wide to accommodate the width of climber s body and not more than 30 inches of clearance allowing the climber to easily reach both hand rails.