The Top Six Fixed Ladder Rules Retailers and Workplaces Need to Know Too!

Did you know? Any facility with personnel who use ladders – including retailers and workplace facility owners – are expected to comply with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) final rules on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (Ladders), 29 CFR 1910.28 (Fall Protection), and 29 CFR 1910.29 (Walking-Working Surfaces).  This means that, as of November 18, 2018, these updated requirements for fall protection will apply to facilities planning to install new fixed ladders exceeding a 24-foot climb, or repair a previously installed ladder, cage, or well:

• Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require continuously holding, pushing, or pull any part of the system while climbing.
• Connection between the carrier/lifeline and the point of attachment to the body harness or belt does not exceed 9 inches.
• Mountings for rigid (rail) carriers are attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mountings spaced, as necessary, along the entire length of the carrier so the system has the strength to stop employee falls.
• Mountings for flexible carriers (cable) are attached at each end of the carrier and cable guides for flexible carriers are installed between 25 and 40 feet apart along the entire length of the carrier.
• Ladder safety systems and their support systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of an 18-inch drop of a 500-pound weight.
• Body belts, harnesses, and other components must meet the requirements of 1910.140 (Personal Fall Protection Systems).

To learn more about these rules and their application to your retail or workplace facility, read the EH&S From Experience newsletter or visit OSHA on the web.  Want to stay in the know on all things related to Environmental, Health and Safety issues? Sign up to receive EH&S From Experience today!

RELATED CONTENT:

Stepping Up Fall Protection for Fixed Ladder Systems

If Your Building Has a Roof: EH&S From Experience – Spring 2019