Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 6 - CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS
SPECIFICATIONS
Section 6.30 - Ladders

(a) Where required. When a runway, stairway or safe inside means of access to a scaffold is not provided, a ladder shall be provided for all such scaffold platforms more than 45 inches above the ground or floor.

(b) Construction. Ladders for scaffolds shall be built according to Chapter 21 (relating to ladders), except where such construction is conclusively provided impracticable by reason of unusual working conditions. Particular care shall be taken regarding the quality of wood used in the construction of all ladders.

(c) Location and guardrails. When practicable all ladders shall be placed on the outside of a scaffold. If the landing is on a platform extending from the scaffold platform or building, such landing shall be provided with guardrails. If the ladder is built inside of a scaffold the opening in the flooring through which it comes shall be protected by guardrails.

(d) Single pole ladders. The use of single pole ladders is prohibited.

(e) Fastenings and placement. Ladders shall be securely fastened at the top and bottom. The top shall extend not less than 36 inches above the platform or floor served and the landing rung shall be as close to the level of the floor or platform as possible. Ladders shall not be placed on boxes or other insecure footings to bring them up to a desired height.

(f) Length. The ladder shall not exceed 30 feet in length except when it is absolutely necessary.

(g) Extended ladders. The extended ladder shall be securely fastened to the lower ladder by means of two iron rungs, threaded at both ends, placed firmly in the slots provided for such purpose and held in place by tight-fitting nuts and washers. The side bars at the base of the slots shall be additionally strengthened to prevent splitting of the wood.

(h) Number of persons on ladder. When workmen carry material up or down a ladder not more than one workman shall be permitted on a single ladder at one time. Where work being done necessitates frequent use of a ladder for this purpose, the remaining alternative is to build two ladders, one for up travel and one for down travel.

(i) Bracing. When ladders are of a length sufficient to possess a tendency toward springiness when sustaining weight, bracing shall be provided to overcome such springiness. This particularly applies to extended ladders.

(j) Trestle ladders. Where "A" or trestle ladders are used to support planking, they shall be constructed according to Chapter 21.