Subpart D CFR 1910.23 of OSHA contains all of the general regulatory requirements for using ladders. Mobile working platforms, fixed ladders, and portable ladders are among the ladder types that must adhere to these regulations. Employers and companies that make use of this equipment and any other walking-working surfaces may create standard operating procedures based on these ladder safety regulations provided by OSHA. Here is a breakdown of OSHA’s ladder safety requirements

Design Regulations

OSHA provided specific guidelines for the design of ladders and walking-working platforms. The regulations set forth in Subpart D 1910.23 outline the dimensions of the steps, the width and spacing between rungs, the load capacity for different ladder types, and the proper placement of each component. Furthermore, OSHA also provided the components and installation instructions for ladders and other walking-working platforms. Establishments need to consider these factors when designing, choosing, and purchasing ladders for their daily operations.

Allowable Load Capacity

Every ladder has a designated load capacity. Establishments need to acquire this information and make sure they use the appropriate ladder or walking-working platform for the intended load. OSHA's regulations explicitly mandate the proper use of ladders. It states that ladders must be used for their intended purpose. Using the wrong ladder to carry anything beyond its load capacity can lead to unfavorable events such as accidents and injuries.

Ladder Maintenance

In CFR 1910.23(b)(10), OSHA strictly prohibits the use of defective ladders, since they escalate the number of hazards and increase the risks of accidents when they are used. To prevent this, establishments must ensure that their ladders are well maintained and cleaned. CFR 1910.23(b)(1) provides that employers must protect ladders from contaminants that corrode them, such as oil, grease, and other harmful chemicals that can compromise their integrity. Furthermore, employers must conduct frequent inspections to identify defects and determine which ladders require maintenance repair.

Ladder Inspection

Ladder inspection is crucial to both safety and the equipment’s life. OSHA clearly states in 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) that "Ladders should be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury." In addition to this, OSHA requires that inspections should be done by a competent person who is well versed in identifying existing and predictable hazards on the equipment and in the working environment involved to have more effective and efficient inspections (CFR 1910.23 (b)(15)). Implementing regular inspections can ensure that this equipment remains safe to use and also extends its usable life.

Safe Working Practices

OSHA has mandated several safety procedures when working on and with ladders in CFR 1910.23. These procedures establish standards for how workers use these handy tools in the workplace. Generally, the do’s and don’ts of using ladders. Given this, establishments need to incorporate these standards into their work procedures involving ladders to ensure safety and comply with the requirements set by OSHA. Here are some important safety practices that OSHA has provided:

• Immediately label any ladder with structural or other defects "Dangerous: Do Not Use."
• Employees must face the ladder when climbing up or down it and apply the 3-point contact rule.
• When climbing up and down the ladder, employees cannot carry any object in their hands.
• You cannot move ladders while an employee is on them.
• Ladders installed in areas where there is heavy traffic should be secured to prevent accidental displacement and 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.
• Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces must be secured and stabilized.
• Prohibit fixed ladders with pitches greater than 90 degrees.
• Ladders and ladder sections should not be tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use.
• You should not use boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain extra height.

Awareness and Training

One way of effectively implementing the standards set out by OSHA is to provide awareness and training to your employees about these standards on ladder safety. Being equipped with the knowledge of these regulations can ensure that employees will practice the necessary safety measures required by OSHA. Additionally, in CFR 1910.31(a)(1), OSHA mandates that "the employer must provide training for each employee who uses personal fall protection systems or who is required to use ladders.” Having said that, training is not an option that establishments can decide whether to have or not, but a requirement that they need to comply with.