What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant With Ladder Safety

YOUR LADDER SAFETY CHECKLIST

►COUNT THE RUNGS AND CHECK THE TOTAL HEIGHT

a. To quickly gauge a ladder’s height, count the number of rungs. If there are 24 rungs or more, this means it’s at least 24 feet and the standard applies

b. Consider the height of the ladder AND the height of the system you’re attaching for safety; regulation states any ladder over 24 feet is applicable

►IS YOUR LADDER FIXED OR NON-FIXED?

a. Fixed ladders require fall protection over a certain height

b. For non-fixed ladders, no fall protection is required but there must be three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand, for example)

►IS THERE A METAL CAGE SURROUNDING YOUR LADDER?

a. Depending on type of fall protection system used it may be necessary to remove the existing cage to ensure cage does not interfere with safe operation of fall protection system, OSHA Regulation 1910.28(b)(9)(iv)

►ARE YOU REPAIRING OR REPLACING A RUNG? DOING MAINTENANCE ON THE CURRENT LADDER?

a. Requires if any modification to an existing ladder system is completed (i.e. repairing/replacing a damaged rung), the entire ladder system must be updated to adhere to the OSHA 1910.23 regulation

►NEW LADDER SYSTEMS BEING INSTALLED MUST MEET THE REGULATION

►YOU NEED GUARDRAILS OR FALL PROTECTION AT THE TOP OF EACH LADDER SYSTEM

a. Depending upon the distance workers travel away from the ladder system, it will determine whether separate anchor points and fall protection is needed

THE REGULATION

The OSHA fixed ladder regulation (1910.23) was designed, at least partly, to align more with the General Industry and Construction Standards. The regulation requires a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system on fixed ladders over 24 feet. It also eliminates and phases out the use of cages/wells and guardrails as primary fall protection methods, allowing employers to choose the fall protection system they want to use on existing and new ladders.

Relevant OSHA codes as they relate to 1910.23.

• For caged, fixed ladders erected before November 19, 2018, employers have up to 20 years to install ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A))
• The employer may use a cage or well in combination with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system 1910.28(b)(9)(iv)
• For new fixed ladders erected on or after November 19,2018, the employer must equip the ladder with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9) (i)(B))
• For ladder repairs and replacements, when an employer replaces any portion of a fixed ladder, the replacement must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C))
• After November 18, 2036 all fixed ladders must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D))

Honeywell's trusted safety experts can help do an assessment on your site. Let them help you today:

1. Identify all the existing fixed ladders in an industrial environment
2. Help determine if ladders are in compliance with OSHA regulations
3. Perform a site survey fall hazard assessment to identify safety hazards associated with fall exposures
4. Design systems to meet OSHA 1910.23 for fixed ladders with complete engineering, drafting, and design services from Honeywell Miller that work in concert with your team
5. Supply all system components, PPE, and customer fabrications that are designed specifically for system attachment to existing or new structures
6. Train employees on the new ladder climbing system
7. Inspect fixed ladders and the climbing systems on a regular basis

SOLUTIONS

Honeywell Miller ladder climbing systems combine cable and rail pre-configured kits along with customizable solutions, accessories, and options designed to fit virtually any environment. This enables companies to provide consistent, safe climbing throughout their entire facility to protect workers at-height. A few of Honeywell's OSHA-compliant solutions include:

Top Bracket + Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL) Combo
This fixed ladder safety system with top bracket and self-retracting lifeline is a cost-effective solution to ladder safety. It keeps workers safe while using harnesses that don’t have a front D-ring, eliminating guard rails and shuttles to meet regulations.

GlideLoc™ Ladder Climbing System Kits (Rail)
The easy-to-climb GlideLoc system offers hands-free fall protection that increases worker mobility, safety, and productivity. The smooth, quiet trailing action along the rail provides an easier, more comfortable climb and the automatic design keeps both hands free for climbing, increasing mobility and efficiency. Also, the integrated shock-absorbing mechanism reduces force on the worker and system in the event of a fall.

Vi-Go™ Ladder Climbing Safety Systems (Cable)
The Vi-Go ladder climbing systems provide the ultimate in safety with continuous fall protection when climbing fixed ladders, available with automatic or manual personal fall arrestor cable sleeves. Both cable sleeves are designed to follow the user along the lifeline while ascending or descending, instantly locking in the event of a fall. Vi-Go accommodates up to four workers at a time, increasing overall productivity. Vi-Go’s automatic pass though brackets allow the climber to keep both hands on the ladder at all times, increasing their personal safety.

Saf-T-Climb™ Ladder System
The Saf-T-Climb System provides total ladder climbing safety for workers on any site – above or below ground, straight or curved. The round rail of the Saf-T-Climb makes dismounting easy and safe, with a removable extension for up or down climbs through a hatch, and permanent dismounts. The Saf-TClimb is easily retrofitted to existing ladders or designed into new construction. Installation of a Saf-T-Climb fall prevention system means instant compliance with OSHA climbing safety regulations. Any slip or fall is stopped by the locking action of the Saf-T-Grip™ Shuttle.

One key to keeping workers safe is to avoid injuries in the first place. That begins with establishing guidelines and understanding regulations that help workers stay safe. At Honeywell, they are devoted to providing top-quality equipment and knowledgeable consultants that help their customers recognize their risks, comprehend the regulations, and implement a safe fall solution.

Download a PDF of Honeywell's Ladder Safety checklist here.
Browse ladder climbing systems from Honeywell on MSCDirect.com.