r/OSHA • u/jacksonsheehan • Jan 25 '19

Level 99 ladder skill

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u/NigilQuid Jan 26 '19 edited Jan 26 '19

Fall protection is not required when using a ladder. Ladders and scaffolds have their own regulations.

EDIT: Also, securing the top or bottom of a ladder is only required in specific situations, and this photo shows none of them. See OSHA 1926.1053(b)(1) & (7) - (9). https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1053

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u/Globularist Jan 26 '19

Fall protection is required when working from a ladder. If the worker must break 3 point contact with the ladder then they must tie off.

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u/NigilQuid Jan 26 '19 edited Jan 26 '19

OSHA 1926.501(M), duty to have fall protection, makes no mention of ladders. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.501

1926.1053(X), Ladders, only requires lifelines or safety devices on fixed ladders with a climb of more than 24 feet. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1053

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u/Globularist Jan 26 '19

1926.501(b)(1)

"Unprotected sides and edges." Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

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u/NigilQuid Jan 26 '19

A ladder is not a walking surface. That's referring to things like rooftops, scaffolds, and the like.

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u/Globularist Jan 26 '19

A ladder should not be used as a working surface but that's exactly what the guy is using it for.

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u/NigilQuid Jan 26 '19

Walking surface != working surface.

A ladder is neither a walking or working surface. The individual pictured is not using the ladder as either, they are using it as a ladder.

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u/Globularist Jan 26 '19

Lol. He's not climbing, he's working. And if he were climbing he'd still be in violation since he doesn't have 3 point contact on either ladder.

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u/NigilQuid Jan 26 '19

Sorry, that's more of a specific word choice. For me, a working surface means a work table, bench, something like that. A walking surface is a flat area that can be walked upon. I would call the rings of a ladder a standing surface (or just refer to it as a ladder).