Ladders
Integral (Built-in Ladder) Frames
Make sure integral (built-in ladder) scaffold access frames:
Make sure ladder frames are used only for the intended use.
- are specifically designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs
- are not used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11½ inches in length, unless each affected employee uses appropriate fall protection
- have rungs which are uniformly spaced and a length of at least 8 inches, with a maximum space between rungs of 16¾ inches
- have rest platforms provided at a maximum of 35 foot vertical intervals
Ladders on Stair Towers
Stair towers have many specific design requirements.
Make sure stair towers 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 handhold 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
- 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
- a scaffold stairway width of at least 18 inches between stair rails
- slip-resistant surfaces on treads and landings
- stairways installed between 40 degrees and 60 degrees from the horizontal
- guardrails meeting OSHA requirements on the open sides and ends of each landing
- uniform riser height, within ¼-inch, for each flight of stairs
- greater variations in riser height are allowed for the top and bottom steps of the entire system (not for each flight of stairs)
- uniform tread depth, within ¼-inch, for each flight of stairs
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-9. What are integral (built-in) access frames specifically designed for?
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