OSHA 1926.1053(b)(1): ladder side rails at upper landings
Under 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1), a portable ladder used to reach an upper landing must have side rails extending at least 3 feet above the landing. If that is not possible, the ladder must be secured at the top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device such as a grab rail must be provided.
Official text
(1) When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Side rails extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface.
- Where extension is not possible, the ladder top is secured to a rigid, non-deflecting support and a grasping device is provided.
- The ladder must not deflect under load in a way that would cause it to slip off its support.
Where it shows up on site
- A ladder that stops flush with a deck or scaffold landing
- Extension ladders used to step onto a roof with no tie-off at the top
- Ladders set at a landing with no grab rail when the rails cannot extend
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- What is the actual working height of the upper landing above the lower level?
- Do the ladder side rails extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing, or is the ladder secured at the top with a grasping device provided?
- Is the ladder base secured, footed, or otherwise prevented from displacement, and is it on a stable and level surface?
- Is any fall protection provided for the worker at the landing, and if so, what type and how is it anchored?
Typical corrective actions
- Have a competent person verify ladder access conditions at the upper landing, including rail extension or top securing with a grasping device, before continued use.
- If rail extension is not possible, secure the ladder top to a rigid non-deflecting support and provide a grasping device for mounting/dismounting.
- Verify the ladder base is on a stable, level surface and secured or barricaded against displacement, and keep top and bottom areas clear.
- Confirm any fall protection method selected is appropriate for the task and verified by a competent person; do not assume a specific system without site evaluation.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.