New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 12 - LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 185 - PITS AND QUARRIES (SAFETY REGULATION NUMBER 12)
Subchapter 29 - STRUCTURES, WALKWAYS AND WORKING SURFACES
Section 12:185-29.4 - Ladders
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024
(a) Ladders other than those used for ingress and egress from deep pit quarries shall meet the requirements of the American Safety Code for Portable Wood Ladders, A14.1-1959.
(b) Wood for side rails shall not be less than two inches by four inches nominal, in cross-section, and for steps shall not be less than one inch by four inches nominal in cross-section. The wood shall be thoroughly seasoned, smooth and free from decay, faults, splinters or sharp edges, and visibly free of shakes, wanes and similar defects.
(c) All ladders shall be substantially constructed and maintained in safe condition at all times.
(d) Wooden ladders or ladder parts shall not be painted. Paint may conceal defects in the wood and may promote dry rot. Linseed oil, clear varnish or clear lacquer form a satisfactory protective coating.
(e) Step ladders over 20 feet, sectional ladders over 31 feet and extension ladders over 60 feet shall not be used.
(f) Where there is danger of a portable ladder slipping in use, provision shall be made to secure the ladder in position by use of hooks, scabs, spikes, cleats or by other antislip devices, or by stationing an employee at the base of the ladder to hold it in position during use.
(g) The spacing between the rungs of a ladder shall not exceed 12 inches and shall not vary more than one inch in any ladder.
(h) Ladders with parallel sides shall have a minimum inside width of 12 inches between the sides.
(i) The rungs of a ladder shall, in no case, be less than 6 1/2 inches from the wall or other obstruction, on the surface to which the ladder may be fastened.
(j) Ladders shall be considered unsafe for use while covered with ice, mud or snow.
(k) Ladders shall be inspected regularly for defects and shall not be used until all defects are repaired.
(l) Ladders used as manways from deep pits or quarries shall be constructed according to the following specifications:
Stringers or sides two by six inch oak, or its equivalent in strength, notched or mortised full depth into sides of stringers, and fastened by one or two-inch strip or batten. Such ladders shall be permanently and substantially fastened.
(m) Landing platforms shall be of such size as to permit free and easy movement from one ladder to another, and open sides shall be equipped with substantial guardrails.
(n) Ladders shall extend through the platform for at least 30 inches.
(o) Fixed ladders having a slope of more than 60 degrees serving locations over 30 feet high, shall have a cage or basket guard or other equivalent protection unless the ladder sections are offset and equipped with rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 20 feet.
(p) Cages, where used, shall extend downward from the top of the ladder to a point not less than seven feet above the ground unless the ladder ends at a platform not more than 30 feet above the ground or floor level. In such cases the cage shall be extended to the level of the platform or top of the railing, if one be present. One side of the cage shall be left open to provide access to an egress from the ladder.
(q) Cages shall be substantially built and securely fastened in place. The inside shall be clear of all projections. The maximum size openings, both vertical and horizontal, shall be such as to preclude the possibility of anyone falling out of the cage.
(r) When it is necessary to reach otherwise inaccessible locations, openings may be in cages, provided they do not nullify the intended purpose of the cage.
(s) Cages shall be at least 24 inches wide and the back of the cage shall not be less than 24 inches or more than 30 inches from the face of the ladder.
