Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 21 - LADDERS
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
Section 21.34 - Fixed ladders

(a) Side rails and rungs. Minimum dimensions of side rails and rungs shall be in accordance with §§ 21.32 and 21.33 (relating to side rails; and steps). Fixed ladders in other than vertical position shall have side rails increased in section to provide for possible increase in stress.

(b) Securement. Fixed ladders shall be firmly secured in position in accordance with other provisions of this chapter.

(c) Splices. Splices for fixed ladders shall be of the same depth as the side rails. The length of splice plates for metal or wood side rails shall be four times the depth of the side rail. They shall be made of metal not less than 1/4 inch in thickness chamfered on the ends.

(d) Bolts and rivets. Heads of bolts and rivets shall be countersunk or of the button type. The heads shall be on the outside of the rail. Bolts or rivets shall not be less than 1/2 inch nor more than 5/8 inch in diameter. Bolt ends shall be chamfered and only the chamfered end shall extend beyond the nut. Rivet ends shall be finished in button shape like the heads. Washers shall be placed under the nuts and rivet ends on wood side rails. On each side of the joint there shall be a minimum of three bolts or rivets for metal side rails and a minimum of four bolts or rivets for wood side rails. Bolts and rivets in both metal and wood side rails shall be staggered in position.

(e) Clearances. Distance from front of rungs to nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches. Distance from back of rungs to nearest permanent object shall be not less than 6 1/2 inches. There shall be a clear width of at least 15 inches from the center line of the ladder on either side across the front of the ladder. Ladders equipped with a cage, basket or the equivalent shall be excepted.

(f) Fastenings. Fastenings shall be made of material equivalent in strength to the rails and shall be of sufficient length to allow a minimum distance as required by subsection (d) between buildings and rungs of the ladder. Fastenings shall be made to the permanent structure either by building in or by through bolts, rivets, or expansion bolts grouted, leaded, or the equivalent.

(g) Distance. The maximum distance between fastenings or braces shall not be in excess of 10 feet in ladders over 15 feet in length unless other provisions giving equivalent security are provided.

(h) Pitch. The pitch of a fixed ladder shall not be such that the position of a person is necessarily below the ladder when climbing, unless a cage guard is provided.

(i) Cages. Ladders over 30 feet in length shall be provided with cages or wells of adequate dimensions except when the ladder is built in zigzag sections, and provided with platforms between sections.

(j) Bottom of cage. Cages when used shall extend from the top of the ladder to a point 7 feet above the base, with the bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or the portion of the cage opposite the ladder shall be carried to the base.

(k) Construction. Cages shall be substantially built and securely fastened to the ladder. The inside shall be clear of projections. Materials used shall be of a cross section not less than that required for the side rails of a fixed ladder.

(l) Cage size. Cages shall not extend less than 24 inches nor more than 28 inches from the face of the ladder. The cage should not be less than 24 inches wide.

(m) Offset platforms. If fixed ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 30 feet, it is recommended that landing platforms be provided for each 30 feet and the ladder sections be offset, each from the others. When the installation condition requires offset sections of ladders, the sections shall be joined by a landing platform. Fire ladders and ladders equipped with cages may be excepted from this requirement.

(n) Above roof. The side rails of fixed ladders shall extend at least 3 1/2 feet above the roof or landing platform, preferably being goosenecked, unless other convenient and secure handholes are fixed at these places. It is recommended that the rungs be omitted from the extension.

(o) Ladder to roof. When a man steps a distance greater than 18 inches from the ladder to the roof, tank or the like, a landing platform is recommended.

(p) Railings and toeboards. All landing platforms shall be equipped with standard railings and toeboards so arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. The platforms should not be less than 24 inches wide.

(q) Top rung. The top rung of any section of a fixed ladder shall be at the level of the adjacent landing platform served by the ladder.

(r) Safety devices. Approved ladder safety devices may be used on towers, water tanks, and chimney ladders over 30 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection. All ladder safety devices such as those that incorporate life belts, friction brakes and sliding attachments shall meet the design requirements of the ladders which they serve.