SECTION 3: Scaffold Access & Ladders

Ladders

Employee must be able to safely access any level of a scaffold that is 2 feet above or below an access point. Direct access to or from another surface is permitted only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches horizontally and not more than 2-feet vertically from the other surface. Since OSHA forbids the use of crossbraces as a means of access other provisions have to be made.

Ladders (top)

Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders are often used to safely access scaffolds; however, they must be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold.

Hook on Ladders
Hook-on and attachable ladders must be specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold on which they are used.

Ladder rungs must be positioned so that their bottom rung is not more than 24 inches (2 feet) above the scaffold’s supporting level and most incorporate the following:

• Rungs must have uniform spacing with a maximum in-between distance of 16 ¾ inches.
• Have minimum rung length of 11 ½ inches.
• Have rest platforms at a maximum of 35-foot vertical intervals.

Stairway ladders
Stairway-type ladders must have slip-resistant treads on all steps and landings. Steps and rungs of ladders must line up vertically with each other between rest platforms as well as the following:

• Be positioned so that their bottom step is not more than 2 feet above the scaffold supporting level.
• Have rest platforms at a maximum 12-foot vertical interval.
• Have a minimum step width of 16 inches, except for mobile scaffold stairway-type ladders, that must have a minimum step width of 11 ½ inches.

Integral (built-in)
Integral or built-in scaffold frames are often used as a means of access to scaffold units. On these occasions frames must be specifically designed and constructed for use as a ladder rung. Rungs are not be used as work platforms if they are less than 11 ½ inches in length, unless each affected employee uses fall protection. Rungs are required to be uniformly spaced and possess a length of at least 8 inches, with a maximum space between rungs of 16 ¾ inches. Additionally, there must be rest platforms provided at a maximum of 35-foot vertical intervals when applicable.

Stair towers
Stair towers when used must have:

• A stair rail consisting of a toprail and a midrail on each side of the stairway.
• A toprail of each stair rail system capable of serving as a handrail, unless a separate handrail is provided.
• Sufficient space on handrails, and toprails serving as handrails, for employees grasping them to avoid falling.
• Stair rails and handrails surfaced to prevent punctures or lacerations to employees, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
• Ends of stair rails and handrails constructed so that they do not constitute a projection hazard.
• A space of at least 3 inches between handrails, or stair rails used as handrails, and other objects.
• A distance of no less than 28 inches and no more than 37 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the forward edge of the tread, in line with the face of the riser.
• A landing platform at least 18 inches wide by 18 inches long at each level, and scaffold stairway width of at least 18 inches between stair rails.
• Slip-resistant surfaces on treads and landings, and uniform tread depth, within ¼-inch, for each flight of stairs.

Ramps
Ramps and walkways 6 feet or more above lower levels must have guardrails. No ramp or walkway shall incline more than 1:3 (1 vertical to 3 horizontal, or 20 degrees above the horizontal). If a ramp or walkway has a slope of more than 1:8, it must have cleats securely fastened to the planks not more than 14 inches apart, to provide footing.

Section 2 Section 4