(2)(iv) Other equivalent intermediate members, such as additional mid-rails and architectural panels, are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 centimeters) wide. Some provisions for fixed ladders over 24 feet have delayed effective dates. Note: ladder chains do not meet OSHA standards. What should you look for when reviewing your current safe access/fall protection configuration. See the below top view sketch for clarification. 1910.23 Guarding Floor & Wall Openings & Holes (a) Protection of floor openings, (a.2) Guard ladderway floor openings or platforms like a stairway floor opening with passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or offset so a person cannot walk directly into the opening. The above ladder accesses a platform and then turns to access the main walkway. This ladder is offset and would not require a swing gate at the opening. Now that we know what the code requirement is, it is time to review a few common ladder mounting orientations to discuss where they fall under the code. So two key points here is that the old 20 foot requirement no longer applies and secondly it is not the length of the ladder that is important, but the distance that a worker may fall to the “lower level” if they were to fall from the ladder. Instead of going through all the verbiage, this article simplifies it through images. Industrial swing gate, swinging safety gates & adjustable safety gates from YellowGate comply to OSHA fall protection and are ANSI yellow. Required fields are marked *. Another seemingly redundant standard from OSHA further increases the areas requiring gates is 1910.29(b)(13) and 1910.29(b)(13)(i): When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening: (1910.29(b)(13)(i) has a self closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member(…). It would be a single direction fall into the ladder opening and as such, a ladder safety gate is required to protect your employees when a ladder is installed in the above orientation. While this is important to understand, there was another significant change that did not receive as much attention. John Hill . (2)(i) Mid-rails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface. Above is a very common ladder mount position. You can walk directly to the ladder opening from where work is/can be expected to be performed and as such, a safety gate is required at the ladder opening. OSHA doesn’t say you MUST use a gate, but gives situations in which a gate could be your solution and, if you so choose, what requirements must that safety gate meet. To protect the worker exiting a ladder, OSHA requires a 42-inch high grab bar extension above the access level or landing platform at the top of the ladder. It’s cheaper than letting OSHA do it for you. With the update to OSHA's Walking/Working Surface rule last year, there has been a focus on the change in requirements for the use of ladder cages versus ladder safety devices. Products. Click here to learn more about OSHA’s current walking-working surfaces standard. The only example above that didn’t need a gate was the second ladder location. Does the only open side in the floor opening require a swinging gate even at a short distance to the next ladder? 1910.23 (d) (13) (ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. Single-barrier systems that meet OSHA specifications only meet OSHA when the barriers are closed. Ladder and Stairway Safety Gates are … OSHA requirements have always been a complex topic, but OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards may have made things even more complicated for some facilities. Industrial Hygiene . In ANSI MH 28.3-2009 section 6.4.3, a barrier is required to be in place to secure pallet drop areas at all times, even while the area is being used for handling materials. In OSHA’s new standard (OSHA standard 1910.28) taking effect 11/19/2018, ladders will not be required to have fall protection until their height is over 24’ (24’-0-1/4” requires fall protection). https://www.bicmagazine.com/departments/hse/new-osha-safety-gate-standard/. Top view sketch of side mounted fixed ladderway opening. Must either slide or swing away from the hole. A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and. May not contain an opening greater than 19 inches in the least dimension. Your email address will not be published. With that orientation, you would fall onto the ladder landing and then hit the rear railing, not fall through the ladder opening. Besides what is illustrated, an additional key feature to note is the gate must be self-closing. Most areas are not offset. Note: Per OSHA regulations, the rails must rise at least three feet above the elevated surface being accessed. Do I Need a Swing Gate on My Fixed Ladder? Ladders installed before this date that have safety cages must have landing platforms at intervals of 50 feet or less. If your walking-working surface is elevated more than 4 feet off the ground, your guide to the newly revised OSHA standard is below. As you can see above, if someone fell while at the main walkway they would fall onto the ladder landing surface, they would not fall down the ladder opening. Picture this: a fixed ladder going up to a floor opening in a platform. High-traffic access ladders can present many risks and are often located in obscure areas. 5 thoughts on “ OSHA Changes Ladder Fall Protection Requirements (OSHA 1910.28) ” Philip Merli July 25, 2017 at 9:18 am. Please enter your username or email address. According to OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(iv)“Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used.”. Currently, under OSHA standard 1910.27 cages are required on ladders where the climbs are over 20’h. Under the new regulations, a ladder over 24’ foot high “will”require a person- al fall arrest system or ladder safety system. A dual-gate system does not depend on an operator to remember and make an effort to close the barrier. This is important because the previous standard only required that it be a swinging gate. Before using the gate, secure the ladder to a fixed structure with a ladder anchor. Wilgard® Ladder Safety Swing Gate Wilgard® Ladder Safety Swing Gate Wildeck's Laddergard™ safety swing gates are self-closing and meet OSHA 1910.23 safety requirements. "(a)(2) Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toe-board on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with passage through the railing either provided with a swing gate or so off-set that a person cannot walk directly into the opening." There is often confusion when defining a safety gate. This includes fall arrest systems. Top view sketch of offset mounted fixed ladderway opening. Below you will see some photos of ladders and top view sketches clarifying why each of their orientations either do or do not require a gate. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the newly revised Walking-Working Surfaces standard at the end of 2016, and it went into effect Jan. 17, 2017. Must either slide or swing away from the hole. Must either slide or swing away from the hole. So what exactly do the new revisions mean regarding the use of safety gates? Then in 2009 they officially stated their enforcement position in a Regional Memo that DID include ladderway opening on the edge of a platform. Published on BIC Magazine at: https://www.bicmagazine.com/departments/hse/new-osha-safety-gate-standard/. Your email address will not be published. This is not offset. Must have a top rail height of 42 inches, plus/minus 3 inches. Work is performed further down the platform but it is possible to fall directly down the ladder opening. Ann, the new requirements state that the fall protection requirements are for ladders that “extend more than 24 feet above the lower level”. OSHA LADDER LANDING PLATFORM REQUIREMENTS. They are also required to have rest platforms every 150 feet or less. PIP STE05501 COMPLETE REVISION Fixed Ladders Design Guide July 2018 Process Industry Practices Page 3 of 26 1. The most common ladder installation locations are not offset and as such require safety gates. All fixed ladders installed after November 18, 2018 that are over 24 feet are required to have ladder safety systems. Per OSHA 1910.23(d)(4) – The side rails of through or sidestep ladders must extend 42 inches above the top of the access level or … The new OSHA General Industry fall protection regulations that went into effect in 2017 are prompting a slew of questions on fixed ladders. Must be equipped with top rails and mid-rails, or equivalent intermediate members, that meet the requirements in final paragraph (b) (13) (i). Simply put, chains, once a viable option for protection of ladder access, are no longer allowed by OSHA. A swing gate is a requirement at this location. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fall into the ladder opening with a single direction fall, then you are not offset. If you are wondering when a fixed ladder requires fall protection, which forms of ladder fall protection are OSHA compliant, or if ladder cages still comply with OSHA’s revised ruling, we have just the post for you….. Rusted spring-closing or compression gates no longer capable of self-closing will need repair or replacement. While these illustrations do not include every possibility of what is out there, they do give a good idea of what to look for when replacing and/or purchasing new safety gates. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Paragraph §1910.23 (c) (1) requires a standard railing on all open-sided floors or platforms 4 feet or more above floor or ground level, except at entrances to ramps, stairways, or fixed ladders. The gate should also be equipped with a top rail and mid rail. From first glance it looks like because the ladder is off to the side that it would be offset from the normal flow of traffic, but if you fell at that point of the catwalk there would be no guarding to protect you. Must be equipped with top rails and mid-rails, or equivalent intermediate members, that meet the requirements in final paragraph (b)(13)(i). October 24, 2017 . OSHA’s standard requires that a safety gate: Must be self-closing. Must be able to withstand a 200-pound load (top rail) and 150-pound load (mid-rail). OSHA 1910.29(b)(13): When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladder ways), the guardrail system opening (b)(13)(i) has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail or equivalent intermediate member, or (b)(13)(ii) is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole. Must have a top rail height of 42 inches, plus/minus 3 inches. This means that a simple swing gate, sliding, gate, chain or removable railing is not acceptable. This location is not offset and as such would require a swing gate. The Ladder Safety Gate is a self-closing swing gate, which is economical, reliable, easy to install and closely matches the railings and their dimensional requirements provided for by Federal OSHA. Ideal for elevated platforms, mezzanines or equipment, and anywhere there is an opening in your railing system, which is accessed by ladders, stairway or ships ladder. OSHA Reference 29 CFR 1910.23 guarding of floor openings and holes. Push the gate open to step onto the elevated surface; a self-closing mechanism automatically closes it. The ladders states the passage through the railing must be protected by a swinging gate or offset so that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.” OSHA believes the intent of the exemption in paragraph (c) was to allow other than a standard, fixed, guardrail at the entrance to a fixed ladder. Therefore, according to OSHA, a gate is required at the top of all ladders. The above fixed ladder is mounted onto the side of the platform. Seems like it would be actually adding a hazard for someone trying to get onto the platform. Every ladder-way floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides, except at entrances to openings, with the passage through the railing either … The opening is at the end of the platform – meaning there are immediately 3 sides covered with guardrails, midrails, and toeboards. The latest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910.29: “Fall protection systems and falling object protection — criteria and practices.” The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: For more information regarding this new standard, visit www.intrepidindustries.com or www.osha.gov, call (281) 479-8301 or email Paxton Guidroz at pguidroz@intrepidindustries.com. 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B) You can choose any PFAS provided it meets the OSHA requirements.1926.502(d) PLEASE NOTE:A ladder that is less than 24’ feet high does “not”require a fall arrest system of any sort. This self-closing swing gate provides 42" top- and mid-rail protection to help ensure that your employees go home safe each night. Adjustable Swing Direction. The Ladder Safety Gate is a self-closing swing gate which is economical, reliable, easy to install, and more closely matches the railings and their dimensional requirements provided for by Federal OSHA. Meets or exceeds OSHA requirements. Often you may see safety chains or a single bar placed at … It is an easy either/or. Using Modular Building Materials to Build a Control Room in a Steel Plant, Limiting the spread of COVID-19 with Acrylic Face Shields, Let A-Mezz Help Tackle Maintenance Projects That Have Been On Hold, Why You Need to Protect your Equipment with Guardrail, Storage Platform with Shelves and Security Cage, Pedestrian Traffic Control Signs Mounted on Gates, Why You Need to Protect your Equipment with Guardrail - A-Mezz Blog, Tool Cribs Cut Down Lost Time and Tools - A-Mezz - A-Mezz Blog, Replace stairs in tight fit locations and meet code, Using Welded Wire Partition Panels Around Site Obstructions - A-Mezz Blog Using Welded Wire Partition Panels Around Obstructions, OSHA Changes Ladder Fall Protection Requirements (OSHA 1910.28). New OSHA Fall Protection Rule regulations went into effect on January 17, 2017. Email Us. Copyright 2021 Intrepid Industries | All Rights Reserved. You side step off of the ladder and another ladder is right there going up in the same direction that you climbed the last one. The Ladder Safety Gate is a self-closing swing gate, which is economical, reliable, easy to install and closely matches the railings and their dimensional requirements provided for by Federal OSHA. Ladder safety gates are always in place, always swing closed and always protect you. Skip to content. EFCOG Industrial Hygiene & Safety Task Group Meeting . The floor opening access is to your right as you ascend the ladder. This one can be tricky until you lay it out from the top view. According to OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) “Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used.” In addition, employers must install all stairway and ladder fall protection systems required by these rules and ensure that their worksite meets all requirements of the stairway and ladder rules before employees use stairways or ladders; OSHA regulations regarding ladder use and applicable to ladders can be found at the following links: I can send a pic if you want to take a look. Guardrail systems should be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction Must be equipped with top rails and mid-rails, or equivalent intermediate members, that meet the requirements in final paragraph (b)(13)(i). the chances of a fall on elevated platforms, mezzanines or ladder ways. Do you need a ladder gate at your ladder opening in your railing? Wildeck’s Laddergard™ is the perfect cost-effective solution to improve safety in your facility. Ladder Compliance with New OSHA Requirements . OSHA’s standard requires that a safety gate: For example, if you are currently using chains, single-bar or drop-bar style gates in an access point or opening, they are no longer compliant and need to be replaced. Ladder holes protected by a guardrail system to protect each employee from falling. This standard opens up gate requirements to manhole covers, roof hatches and other similar systems that would remain open while accessed. The top-rail and bottom-rail are spaced to match the standard railing dimensions required by Federal OSHA. Category: OSHA Compliance Posts Published: 18 August 2017 For years, OSHA had taken a position on when/where "swing gates" were actually required and that position was that it did NOT apply to fixed ladders on the edge of a platform. Fixed ladder with offset landing platform. These can be used to help you determine the appropriate course of action in and around any holes, openings or current access points with or without safety gates. These rules specify when employers must provide stairways and ladders. The passage through the railing, however, must be protected by a swinging gate or offset so that a person cannot walk directly into the opening. Start auditing walking-working surface compliance today. Gate functionality requirements are: Must be self-closing; Must either slide or swing away from the hole; Must be equipped with top rails and midrails or equivalent intermediate members that meet the requirements in final paragraph (b) (final paragraph (b)(13)(i)) Safety Chain and Safety Gate Use. As you can see from the above sketch, there is a single direction of travel to the ladder from the catwalk. OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair, painting, decorating and demolition of worksites covered by OSHA’s construction safety and health standards. Here are three OSHA fixed ladder requirements for fixed ladder safety with delayed effective dates (source): : Landing platforms … This means that every ladder opening needs to be either (a) Offset so that a person cannot walk (or fall) directly into the opening or (b) Protected by a ladder safety gate. Ideal for elevated platforms, mezzanines or equipment, and anywhere there is an opening in your railing system, which is accessed by ladders, stairway or ships ladder. Gravity-closing gates can no longer be held open with bungee cords to prevent self-closure. OSHA’s standard requires that a safety gate: Must be self-closing. If the ladder was rotated to the left side of the landing it would require a safety gate because then the ladder opening would no longer be offset. Top view sketch of catwalk side mounted fixed ladderway opening. A self-closing gate that slides or swings AWAY from the hole. SUPERIOR LADDER WAY SAFETY: The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910.29 (b): “Fall protection systems and falling object protection — criteria and practices.” The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: To provide even more insight, below is a simplified list of some key areas to focus on when evaluating your current conditions. 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