For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top.
Ladder Height Regulations
An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). A ladder extended to a height of 48-ft or longer requires a 6-ft extension beyond the eave.
Portable ladders not extending 3 feet above upper landing must be secured. OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Ladders used to access another level should be tied and extend at least 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold. At ladder access points, a self-closing gate is recommended.
The 4:1 ratio for ladders means that for every four feet the ladder is long to the point of where it rests on a structure, you must move the feet back from the structure one foot.
15 IN (38 CM) Min clearance to any permanent obstruction for ladder without cage or well. Second one is for Side Clearances for Side-step ladders. 15-20 IN (30-51 CM) Step-Across Distance to Platform edge. 42 IN (107 CM) Min. 15 IN (38 CM) Min. No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it.
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.
For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top. . Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines.
Setting up your ladder
Restrain or secure the ladder both at the top and the bottom to prevent it from slipping. Ladders should be set up at an angle of 1 horizontal (out) to 4 vertical (up). Where a ladder is used to access a working platform, ensure it extends 1 metre above the working platform.
Response: 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(9)(ii)(B) requires that ladders equipped with a personal fall protection or a ladder safety system shall have rest platforms provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet (45.7 m).
Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
Any work platform which is 4 feet or more above a lower level must have guardrails. Guardrails must have a height of at least 42 inches on every open side. The guardrails must be capable of withstanding 200 pounds of force.
The law requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing people riding bikes. It went into effect in October of 2014, and our focus since then has been on getting the word out through our Give Me 3 Campaign.
3-foot rule – When using a ladder to reach a higher level (such as a roof) the top of the ladder must reach at least 3 feet past the edge of the level and be secured from slipping. Fall Protection – When the top of a fixed ladder is 24 feet or more from the lower level on a ladder the worker must use fall protection.
Don't work off the top three rungs. Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working.
When determining proper working height/angle, non-selfsupporting ladders should be set at a 4:1 ratio (see Figure 1) from the foot to the top support. Each section of a multi-section ladder must overlap the adjacent section by at least 3 feet for ladders up to 36 feet and 4 feet for 40 feet or longer extension ladders.
In the configurations in which they are used, portable platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load. Maximum load. Portable ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed. Securing in place.
The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.
By extending the ladder at least 3 feet above the point where it touches the platform or roof, you create a safe and stable structure to work from. This extra height provides a secure grip and prevents the ladder from sliding or tipping over while you are on it.
For existing ladders, within two years, employers must install a cage, well, ladder safety system, or personal fall arrest system on fixed ladders that do not have any fall protection. Within 20 years, all ladders extending more than 24 feet must have a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system.
The top of a ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the surface you are climbing onto to ensure safety and comply with OSHA regulations.
A fixed or extension ladder must extend at least 1 metre above the surface you will step off the ladder on to. Set the ladder on a flat, stable surface and, where possible, utilise safety devices such as stabilisers. A portable ladder must be positioned to follow 4 to 1 rule.
When must employers provide Fall Protection? The 6-foot rule. Subpart M requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level.
By understanding and addressing the top three OSHA-cited ladder violations—improper usage, lack of inspections, and improper setup—employers can create a safer environment for workers. Regular ladder inspections, proper setup techniques, and worker training are all essential to ensure ladder safety.
The close proximity rule (sometimes referred to as the “4-foot rule”) is a safe work practice adopted by JJ White Inc. for PPE. Under the close proximity rule, anyone who is working within 4 feet of another person performing a task that requires a higher level of PPE, must also wear that higher level of PPE protection.