PROGRAM OVERVIEW STAIRWAY AND FIXED-LADDER INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAM REGULATORY STANDARD: 29 CFR - 1910.24 Fixed Industrial Stairs - 1910.27 Fixed Ladder INTRODUCTION: Stairways and fixed ladder systems are a major source of injuries and fatalities. The OSHA regulatory standards governing stairways and ladders establish requirements to address the issues of evaluating and identifying potential deficiencies, evaluating the associated potential hazards, communicating information concerning these hazards, and establishing appropriate procedures and protective measures for employees. TRAINING: Employees or other designated persons will be trained, as needed or required, in the inspection of fixed ladders and stairways Employees, as needed or required, will be trained or informed of the safe use and maintenance of fixed ladders and stairways Training includes the nature of fall hazards, and intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used ACTIVITIES: Implement, communicate, and enforce stairway and fixed-ladder safety policies Ensure fixed ladders and stairs are maintained in good, useable condition, free from obstacles, storage and debris Ensure any new or existing installations meet the regulatory requirements for strength, durability, rung and cage spacing, etc. Provide equipment for lifting or lowering materials and equipment to ensure safe use of fixed ladders Provide adequate lighting FORMS: None required 1. Purpose 2. Scope 3. Responsibilities 4. Procedure 5. Safety Information 6. Training and Information 7. Definitions Table of Contents Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 1 of 9
Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program 1. Purpose. The company will ensure that all potential hazards regarding stairways and fixed-ladders within our facility are evaluated for potential deficiencies and any associated potential hazards they may present. The company will review and evaluate this safety program: 1.1 On an annual basis or more frequently, as required. 1.2 When changes occur to the governing regulatory statutes that prompt revision of this document. 1.3 When facility operational changes occur that require a revision of this document. 2. Scope. This program applies to any existing or new fixed ladders or stairways at company facilities. 3. Responsibilities. 3.1 Management/Supervisors: 3.1.1 Ensure fixed ladders and stairs are maintained in good, useable condition. 3.1.2 Ensure stairways are maintained free from obstacles, storage and debris. 3.1.3 Ensure any new or existing installations meet the regulatory requirements for strength, durability, rung and cage spacing, etc. 3.1.4 Provide equipment for lifting or lowering materials and equipment to ensure safe use of fixed ladders. 3.2 Employees: 3.2.1 Bring any deficiencies or hazardous conditions to the attention of management or your supervisor. 3.2.2 Assist, as needed or required, in the inspection of fixed ladders and stairways. 3.2.3 Maintain stairways and areas around fixed ladders in a clean and neat condition to help ensure their safe use. 3.3 Safety Officer (as needed or required): 4. Procedure. 3.3.1 Assist in the development and implementation of this program. 4.1 Fixed Industrial Stairs Safety Policy: 4.1.1 All stairways will be kept clean, orderly, and free of known hazards. Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 2 of 9
4.1.2 Cleaning requirements. To facilitate the cleaning process, all stairways will be kept free from protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards or other hindrances that would prevent efficient maintenance. 4.1.2.1 Stairways leading to work stations will be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used drainage will be maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places will be provided where practicable. 4.1.2.2 Will be kept free of obstacles at all times. Any employee finding an emergency route blocked should immediately report the condition to management or supervisors (or the company Safety Officer) for correction. Exit lights and signs will also be maintained in proper condition at all times and immediately reported if deficient. 4.1.3 Sufficient illumination will be provided in all areas at all times especially where stairways and ladders are in use. Employees discovering lighting deficiencies will report them to management or supervisors (or the company Safety Officer) for correction. 4.1.4 Ladder maintenance. Supervisors will ensure that Ladder under their control are properly maintained and kept in a clean and orderly manner. 4.2 Metal Ladder Safety Policy: 4.2.1 To insure safety and serviceability the following precautions concerning the care and use of metal Ladder will be observed: 4.2.1.1 Care of metal Ladder. The following safety precautions will be observed in connection with the care of metal Ladder: 4.2.1.1.1 Ladder must be maintained in good usable condition at all times. 4.2.1.1.2 If a ladder is involved in any of the following, immediate inspection is necessary: 4.2.1.1.2.1 If Ladders tip or components are defective, inspect ladder for side rails dents or bends, or excessively dented rungs; check all rungto-side-rail connections; check hardware connections; check rivets for shear. 4.2.1.1.2.2 If ladder is exposed to oil and grease, components should be cleaned of oil, grease, or slippery materials. This can easily be done with a solvent or steam cleaning. 4.2.2 Ladder having defects are to be marked and blocked off until repaired by either maintenance department or the manufacturer. Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 3 of 9
4.2.3 When ascending or descending, the climber must face the ladder. 5. Safety Information. 5.1 Fixed Industrial Stairs: 5.1.1 Fixed stairs will be provided for access from one structure level to another where operations necessitate regular travel between levels and for access to operating platforms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations. Fixed stairs will also be provided where access to elevations is daily or at each shift for such purposes as gauging, inspection, regular maintenance, etc. Fixed stairs will also be provided where access to elevations is daily or at each shift for such work that may expose employees to acids, caustics, gases, other harmful substances, or for which purposes the carrying of tools or equipment by hand is normally required. 5.1.2 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways will not be constructed or used except for special limited usage and secondary access situations where it is not practical to provide a conventional stairway. 5.1.3 Stair strength. Fixed stairways will be designed and constructed to carry a load of five times the normal live load anticipated but never of less strength than to carry safely a moving concentrated load of 1,000 pounds. 5.1.4 Stair width. Fixed stairways will have a minimum width of 22 inches. 5.1.5 Angle of stairway rise. Fixed stairs will be installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30 and 50. Any uniform combination of rise/tread dimensions may be used that will result in a stairway at an angle to the horizontal within the permissible range. Table D-1 (29 CFR 1910.24) gives general rise/tread dimensions which will produce a stairway within the permissible range, stating the angle to the horizontal produced by each combination. Table D-1 (29 CFR 1910.24) Angle to horizontal Rise (in inches) Tread run (in inches) 30 35 6 ½ 11 32 08 6 ¾ 10 ¾ 33 41 7 10 ½ 35 16 7 ¼ 10 ¼ 36 52 7 ½ 10 38 29 7 ¾ 9 ¾ 40 08 8 9 ½ 41 44 8 1/4 9 1/4 43 22 8 ½ 9 45 00 8 ¾ 8 ¾ 46 38 9 8 ½ 48 16 9 ¼ 8 ¼ 49 54 9 1/2 8 Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 4 of 9
5.1.6 Stair treads. All treads will be reasonably slip-resistant and the nosings will be of nonslip finish. Welded bar grating treads without nosings are acceptable providing the leading edge can be readily identified by personnel descending the stairway and provided the tread is serrated or is of definite nonslip design. Rise height and tread width will be uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs. 5.1.7 Stairway platforms. Stairway platforms will be no less than the width of a stairway and a minimum of 30 inches in length measured in the direction of travel. 5.1.8 Railings and handrails. Standard railings will be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stairway platforms. Handrails will be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Stair railings and handrails will be installed in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.23. 5.1.8.1 A standard railing consists of a top rail, intermediate or mid-rail rail, and posts, and has a vertical height of approximately 42 inches from the standing surface. Mid-rails are located approximately halfway between the top rail and the standing surface. Rails must be smooth and may not project or overhang posts to create a hazard. 5.1.9 Vertical clearance. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction will be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. 5.2 Fixed Ladders: 5.2.1 General 5.2.1.1 The minimum design live load will be a single concentrated load of 200 pounds. 5.2.1.2 The number and position of additional concentrated live-load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated usage of the ladder will be considered in the design. 5.2.1.3 The live loads imposed by persons occupying the ladder will be considered to be concentrated at such points as will cause the maximum stress in the structural member being considered. 5.2.1.4 The weight of the ladder and attached appurtenances together with the live load will be considered in the design of rails and fastenings. 5.2.2 Rungs and Cleats. 5.2.2.1 All rungs will have a minimum diameter of three-fourths inch for metal Ladder and a minimum diameter of 1 1/8 inches for wood ladder. 5.2.2.2 The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps will not exceed 12 inches and will be uniform throughout the length of the ladder. 5.2.2.3 The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats will be 16 inches. Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 5 of 9
5.2.2.4 Rungs, cleats, and steps will be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard. 5.2.2.5 The rungs of an individual-rung ladder will be so designed that the foot cannot slide off the end. 5.2.3 Components and Construction. 5.2.3.1 Side rails. Side rails, which might be used as a climbing aid, will be of such cross sections as to afford adequate gripping surface without sharp edges, splinters, or burrs. 5.2.3.2 Fastenings. Fastenings will be an integral part of fixed ladder design. 5.2.3.3 Splices. All splices and connections will have smooth transition with original members and with no sharp or extensive projections. 5.2.3.4 Electrolytic action. Adequate means will be employed to protect dissimilar metals from electrolytic action when such metals are joined. 5.2.3.5 Welding. All welding will be in accordance with the "Code for Welding in Building Construction" (AWSD1.0-1966). 5.2.4 Protection From Deterioration. 5.2.4.1 Metal Ladder and appurtenances will be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting when location demands. Ladder formed by individual metal rungs imbedded in concrete, which serve as access to pits and to other areas under floors, are frequently located in an atmosphere that causes corrosion and rusting. To increase rung life in such atmosphere, individual metal rungs will have a minimum diameter of 1 inch or will be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting. 5.2.4.2 Wood Ladder, when used under conditions where decay may occur, will be treated with a nonirritating preservative and the details will be such as to prevent or minimize the accumulation of water on wood parts. 5.2.4.3 When different types of materials are used in the construction of a ladder, the materials used will be so treated as to have no deleterious affect one upon the other. 5.2.5 Clearance. 5.2.5.1 Climbing side. On fixed Ladder, the perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder will be the following with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope: 5.2.5.1.1 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 6 of 9
5.2.5.1.2 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees 5.2.5.2 Ladder without cages or wells. A clear width of at least 15 inches will be provided each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space except when cages or wells are necessary. 5.2.5.3 Clearance in back of ladder. The distance from the centerline of rungs, cleats, or steps to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder will be not less than 7 inches except when unavoidable obstructions are encountered; then minimum clearances as shown in 29 CFR 1910.27, figure D-3, will be provided. 5.2.5.4 Clearance in back of grab bar. The distance from the centerline of the grab bar to the nearest permanent object in back of the grab bars will be not less than 4 inches. Grab bars will not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder which they serve. 5.2.5.5 Step-across distance. The step-across distance from the nearest edge of ladder to the nearest edge of equipment or structure will be not more than 12 inches or less than 2 1/2 inches (29 CFR 1910.27, fig. D-4). 5.2.5.6 Hatch cover. Counterweighted hatch covers will open a minimum of 60 degrees from the horizontal. The distance from the centerline of rungs or cleats to the edge of the hatch opening on the climbing side will be not less than 24 inches for offset wells or 30 inches for straight wells. There will be not protruding potential hazards within 24 inches of the centerline of rungs or cleats. Any such hazards within 30 inches of the centerline of the rungs or cleats will be fitted with deflector plates placed at an angle of 60 degrees from the horizontal as indicated in 29 CFR 1910.27, figure D- 5. The relationship of a fixed ladder to an acceptable counterweighted hatch cover is illustrated in 29 CFR 1910.27, figure D-6. 5.2.6 Special Requirements for Cages or Wells. 5.2.6.1 Cages or wells (except on chimney Ladder) will be built, as shown on the applicable drawings, covered in detail in 29 CFR 1910.27, figures D-7, D- 8, and D-9, or of equivalent construction. 5.2.6.2 Cages or wells conforming to the dimensions shown in 29 CFR 1910.27, figures D-7, D-8, and D-9 will be provided on Ladder of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet. 5.2.6.3 Cages will extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet or more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder, with bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or portion of cage opposite ladder will be carried to the base. 5.2.6.4 Cages will not extend less than 27 or more than 28 inches from the centerline of the rungs of the ladder. Cage will not be less than 27 inches in width. The inside will be clear of projections. Vertical bars will be located at a maximum spacing of 40 degrees around the circumference of Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 7 of 9
6. Training and Information. the cage; this will give a maximum spacing of approximately 9 1/2 inches, center to center. 5.2.6.5 Ladder wells will have a clear width of at least 15 inches measured each way from the centerline of the ladder. Smooth-walled wells will be a minimum of 27 inches from the centerline of rungs to the well wall on the climbing side of the ladder. Where other obstructions on the climbing side of the ladder exist, there will be a minimum of 30 inches from the centerline of the rungs. 6.1 Employees or other designated persons will be trained, as needed or required, in the inspection of fixed ladders and stairways. 6.2 Employees, as needed or required, will be trained or informed of the safe use and maintenance of fixed ladders and stairways. 7. Definitions. Cage - A cage is a guard that may be referred to as a cage or basket guard which is an enclosure that is fastened to the side rails of the fixed ladder or to the structure to encircle the climbing space of the ladder for the safety of the person who must climb the ladder. Cleats - Cleats are ladder cross-pieces of rectangular cross-section placed on edge on which a person may step in ascending or descending. Fastenings - A fastening is a device to attach a ladder to a structure, building, or equipment. Fixed ladder - A fixed ladder is a ladder permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment. Grab bars - Grab bars are individual handholds placed adjacent to or as an extension above Ladder for the purpose of providing access beyond the limits of the ladder. Handrail - A single bar or pipe supported on brackets from a wall or partition to provide a continuous handhold for persons using a stair. Individual-rung ladder - An individual-rung ladder is a fixed ladder each rung of which is individually attached to a structure, building, or equipment. Ladder - A ladder is an appliance usually consisting of two side rails joined at regular intervals by cross-pieces called steps, rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step in ascending or descending. Ladder safety device - A ladder safety device is any device, other than a cage or well, designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of accidental falls and which may incorporate such features as life belts, friction brakes, and sliding attachments. Nose, nosing - That portion of a tread projecting beyond the face of the riser immediately below. Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 8 of 9
Open riser - The air space between the treads of stairways without upright members (risers). Pitch - Pitch is the included angle between the horizontal and the ladder, measured on the opposite side of the ladder from the climbing side. Platform - An extended step or landing breaking a continuous run of stairs. Rail ladder - A rail ladder is a fixed ladder consisting of side rails joined at regular intervals by rungs or cleats and fastened in full length or in sections to a building, structure, or equipment. Railing - A vertical barrier erected along exposed sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. Rise - The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread. Riser - The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. Rungs - Rungs are ladder cross-pieces of circular or oval cross-section on which a person may step in ascending or descending. Side-step ladder - A side-step ladder is one from which a man getting off at the top must step sideways from the ladder in order to reach the landing. Stairs, stairway - A series of steps leading from one level or floor to another, or leading to platforms, pits, boiler rooms, crossovers, or around machinery, tanks, and other equipment that are used more or less continuously or routinely by employees, or only occasionally by specific individuals. A series of steps and landings having three or more risers constitutes stairs or stairway. Steps - Steps are the flat cross-pieces of a ladder on which a person may step in ascending or descending. Through ladder - A through ladder is one from which a man getting off at the top must step through the ladder in order to reach the landing. Tread - The horizontal member of a step. Tread run - The horizontal distance from the leading edge of a tread to the leading edge of an adjacent tread. Tread width - The horizontal distance from front to back of tread including nosing when used. Well - A well is a permanent complete enclosure around a fixed ladder, which is attached to the walls of the well. Proper clearances for a well will give the person who must climb the ladder the same protection as a cage. Stairway and Fixed-Ladder Industrial Safety Program Page 9 of 9