OAR 437-004-0360
Fixed Ladders


(1)

Definitions. Fixed ladder terms mean:

(a)

Cage. A guard sometimes referred to as a basket guard that is an enclosure fastened to the side rails of a fixed ladder or to a structure to encircle the climbing space of the ladder.

(b)

Cleats. Ladder cross-pieces of rectangular cross-section placed on edge on which a person may step when climbing up or down.

(c)

Fastenings. A device to attach a ladder to a structure, building, or equipment.

(d)

Fixed ladder. A ladder permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment.

(e)

Grab bars. Individual handholds adjacent to or as an extension above ladders to provide access beyond the limits of the ladder.

(f)

Individual-rung ladder. A fixed ladder with each rung individually attached to a structure, building, or equipment.

(g)

Ladder. A device with steps, rungs or cleats between rails, for people to climb up or down.

(h)

Ladder safety device. Any device, other than a cage or well, designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of accidental falls, that may use life belts, friction brakes, and sliding attachments.

(i)

Pitch. The included angle between the horizontal and the ladder, measured on the opposite side of the ladder from the climbing side.

(j)

Rail ladder. A fixed ladder with side rails joined at regular intervals by rungs or cleats and fastened in full length or in sections to a building, structure, or equipment.

(k)

Railings. Any one or a combination of those railings made according to OAR 437-004-0320 (Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes). A standard railing is a vertical barrier along exposed edges of walking surfaces to prevent people from falling.

(l)

Rungs. Ladder cross-pieces of circular or oval cross-section on which a person may step when climbing up or down.

(m)

Side-step ladder. One from which a person getting off at the top must step sideways to reach the landing.

(n)

Steps. The flat cross-pieces of a ladder on which a person may step when climbing up or down.

(o)

Through ladder. A ladder from which a person getting off at the top must step through to reach the landing.

(p)

Well. A permanent complete enclosure around a fixed ladder, that is attached to the walls of the well. Proper clearances for a well will give the climber the same protection as a cage.

(2)

Design requirements. Design considerations: All ladders, appurtenances, and fastenings must meet these load requirements:

(a)

The minimum design live load must be a single concentrated load of 200 pounds.

(b)

Design consideration must include the number and position of additional concentrated live load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated use.

(c)

Consider the live loads caused by persons on the ladder to be concentrated at such points as will cause the maximum stress in the structural member being under evaluation.

(d)

Use the weight of the ladder and attachments together with the live load when designing rails and fastenings.

(e)

All wood parts of fixed ladders must meet the requirements of OAR 437-004-0340 (Portable Ladders)(3).

(f)

For fixed ladders with wood side rails and wood rungs or cleats, used at an angle between 75° and 90°, and intended for use by no more than one person per section, single ladders in OAR 437-004-0340 (Portable Ladders)(8)(b)(A) are acceptable.

(3)

Specific features.

(a)

Rungs and cleats.

(A)

All rungs must have a minimum diameter of 34 inch for metal ladders, except as in paragraph OAR 437-004-0360 (Fixed Ladders)(3)(g)(A) and a minimum diameter of 1-18 inches for wood ladders.

(B)

The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps must be uniform and not more than 12 inches.

(C)

The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats must be 16 inches.

(D)

Rungs, cleats, and steps must not have splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections.

(E)

The rungs of an individual rung ladder must not allow the climber’s foot to slide off the end. Figure 2 shows a suggested design. [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(b)

Side rails. Side rails that might be used as a climbing aid must be of such cross sections as to afford adequate gripping surface without sharp edges, splinters, or burrs.

(c)

Fastenings. Fastenings must be an integral part of fixed ladder design.

(d)

Splices. All splices must meet design requirements noted in (a) above. All splices and connections must have smooth transition with original members and no sharp or extensive projections.

(e)

Electrolytic action. Protect dissimilar metals from electrolytic action when they are joined.

(f)

Welding. All welding must be according to the “Code for Welding in Building Construction” (AWSD1.0-1966).

(g)

Protection from deterioration. Paint or treat metal ladders and attachments to resist corrosion and rusting when necessary. Ladders with individual metal rungs imbedded in concrete, that serve as access to pits and to other areas under floors, must have rungs with a minimum diameter of 1 inch or paint or treatment to resist corrosion and rusting.

(4)

Clearance. [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(a)

Climbing side. On fixed ladders, the perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder must be 36 inches for a pitch of 76°, and 30 inches for a pitch of 90° (fig. 3), with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope, except as in (4)(c) and (e) below.

(b)

Ladders without cages or wells. There must be a clear width of at least 15 inches each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary.

(c)

Ladders with cages or baskets. Subparagraphs (4)(a) and (b) above do not cover ladders with a cage or basket. They must conform to (5)(a)(E). Subparagraph (4)(a) above does not cover fixed ladders in smooth-walled wells. They must conform to (5)(a)(F).

(d)

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 must be not less than 7 inches, except that when there are unavoidable obstructions, there must be minimum clearances shown in Figure 4. [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(e)

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 must be not less than 4 inches. Grab bars must not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder that they serve.

(f)

Step-across distance. The step-across distance from the nearest edge of the ladder to the nearest edge of equipment or structure must be not more than 12 inches, or less than 2-12 inches (fig. 5). [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(g)

Hatch cover. Counterweighted hatch covers must open a minimum of 60° from the horizontal. The distance from the centerline of rungs or cleats to the edge of the hatch opening on the climbing side must be not less than 24 inches for offset wells or 30 inches for straight wells. There must be no 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 must have deflector plates at an angle of 60° from the horizontal as shown in figure 6. The relationship of a fixed ladder to an acceptable counterweighted hatch cover is shown in figure 7. [Figures not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(5)

Special requirements.

(a)

Cages, Wells and Ladder Climbing Safety systems.

(A)

Cages, wells or laddders climbing safety systems must be on all ladders (except chimneys) where the length of climb is more than 24 feet but not more than 50 feet or the top of the ladder is more than 24 feet above the ground or nearest lower landing surface.
NOTE: Design secifications for cages and wells are in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

(B)

Ladders with a length of climb more than 50 feet (except chimneys) must have a cage, well or climbing safety system and must meet one of the following two requirements:
(i)
When using a cage or well the ladder must be in sections, horizonitally offset, with real platforms at least every 50 feet.
(ii)
When using a climbing safety system the ladder must have rest platforms at least every 150 feet. [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(C)

Cages must extend at least 42 inches above the top of the landing, unless there is other acceptable protection.

(D)

Cages must extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder. The bottom must flare not less than 4 inches or a portion of the cage opposite ladder must extend to the base.

(E)

Cages must not extend less than 27 nor more than 28 inches from the center line of the rungs of the ladder. Cages must not be less than 27 inches in width. The inside must be clear of projections. Vertical bars must be at a maximum spacing of 40 degrees around the circumference of the cage; this will give a maximum spacing of approximately 9-12 inches, center to center.

(F)

Ladder wells must have a clear width of at least 15 inches measured each way from the center line of the ladder. Smooth-walled wells must be a minimum of 27 inches from the center line 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 must be a minimum of 30 inches from the centerline of the rungs. [Figures not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(b)

Landing platforms.

(A)

Where a person has to step a distance more than 12 inches from the center line of the rung of a ladder to the nearest edge of a structure or equipment, there must be a landing platform. The minimum step-across distance is 2-12 inches.

(B)

All landings must have standard railings and toeboards, that give safe access to the ladder. Platforms must be not less than 24 inches wide and 30 inches long.

(C)

One rung of any section of ladder must be at the level of the landing laterally served by the ladder. Where access to the landing is through the ladder, the rung spacing from the landing platform to the first rung below the landing must be the same as on the ladder.

(c)

Ladder extensions. The side rails of through or side step ladder extensions must extend 3-12 feet above parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, omit the rungs from the extension. There must be not less than 18 nor more than 24 inches clearance between rails. For side step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs must extend to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3-12 foot minimum (fig.11). [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(d)

Grab bars. Space grab bars by a continuation of the rung spacing when they are horizontal. Vertical grab bars must have the same spacing as the ladder side rails. Grab bar diameters must be the equivalent of the round rung diameters.

(6)

Pitch.

(a)

Preferred pitch. The preferred pitch of fixed ladders is between 75° and 90° with the horizontal (fig. 12). [Figure not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(b)

Substandard pitch. Fixed ladders are substandard if they are between 60° and 75° with the horizontal. Substandard fixed ladders are allowed only where necessary to meet conditions of installation.

(c)

Scope of coverage in this section. This section covers only fixed ladders between 60° and 90° with the horizontal.

(d)

Pitch more than 90°. No ladder may be more than 90° with the horizontal.

(7)

Maintenance. All ladders must be in safe condition. Inspect ladders at intervals determined by use and exposure.
[ED. NOTE: Figures referenced are available from the agency.]
[Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]
437‑004‑0001
Application
437‑004‑0002
Scope
437‑004‑0003
Exclusive Coverage
437‑004‑0005
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records
437‑004‑0099
General Standards
437‑004‑0100
Universal Definitions
437‑004‑0150
Standards Organizations
437‑004‑0240
Safety Orientation for Seasonal Workers
437‑004‑0251
Safety Committees and Safety Meetings
437‑004‑0310
Working Surfaces
437‑004‑0320
Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes
437‑004‑0330
Fixed Industrial Stairs
437‑004‑0340
Portable Ladders
437‑004‑0350
Orchard Ladders
437‑004‑0360
Fixed Ladders
437‑004‑0370
Scaffolding
437‑004‑0380
Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (Towers)
437‑004‑0390
Other Working Surfaces
437‑004‑0405
Exits and Emergency Action Plan
437‑004‑0450
Emergency Action Plan
437‑004‑0570
Manlifts
437‑004‑0610
Ventilation
437‑004‑0630
Noise Exposure
437‑004‑0650
Ionizing Radiation
437‑004‑0710
Compressed Gases
437‑004‑0715
Acetylene
437‑004‑0716
Oxygen
437‑004‑0717
Hydrogen
437‑004‑0720
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
437‑004‑0725
Spray Finishing
437‑004‑0770
Explosives and Blasting Agents
437‑004‑0780
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases
437‑004‑0790
Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Natural Gas in Fields and Orchards
437‑004‑0800
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia
437‑004‑0950
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
437‑004‑1005
General Requirements for Protective Equipment
437‑004‑1020
Personal Fall Protection
437‑004‑1030
Work Clothing
437‑004‑1035
Eye and Face Protection
437‑004‑1041
Respiratory Protection
437‑004‑1050
Head Protection
437‑004‑1060
Hand, Foot, and Extremity Protection
437‑004‑1070
Working Underway on Water
437‑004‑1075
Working Over or In Water
437‑004‑1105
Sanitation
437‑004‑1110
Field Sanitation for Hand Labor Work
437‑004‑1115
COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing
437‑004‑1120
Agricultural Labor Housing and Related Facilities
437‑004‑1140
Lighting
437‑004‑1150
Safety Colors for Marking Physical Hazards
437‑004‑1180
Accident Prevention Signs
437‑004‑1250
Confined and Hazardous Spaces
437‑004‑1260
Manure Lagoons, Storage Ponds, Vats, Pits and Separators
437‑004‑1275
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
437‑004‑1305
Medical Services and First Aid
437‑004‑1430
Sources of Fire
437‑004‑1440
Required Postings
437‑004‑1450
Extinguishers
437‑004‑1460
Fire Prevention Plan
437‑004‑1470
Employee Equipment and Training
437‑004‑1505
Air Receivers and Pressure Systems
437‑004‑1525
Boilers and Steam Systems
437‑004‑1610
General Requirements
437‑004‑1630
Conveyors
437‑004‑1670
Automotive Hoists
437‑004‑1680
Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
437‑004‑1700
Forklifts and Other Powered Industrial Trucks
437‑004‑1750
Helicopters
437‑004‑1805
Rope, Chain, Rigging, and Hoists
437‑004‑1825
Tackle and Hoisting Equipment
437‑004‑1910
General Equipment Guarding
437‑004‑1940
Farm Field Equipment
437‑004‑1970
Farmstead Equipment
437‑004‑2000
Powered Saws
437‑004‑2100
Grinders
437‑004‑2220
General Requirements — Small Tools
437‑004‑2230
Guarding and Operation of Portable Powered Tools
437‑004‑2240
Power Lawnmowers
437‑004‑2260
Other Portable Tools and Equipment
437‑004‑2310
General Requirements
437‑004‑2350
Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting
437‑004‑2400
Arc Welding and Cutting
437‑004‑2810
General Requirements
437‑004‑2850
Temporary Lighting and Wiring
437‑004‑2860
Flexible Cable and Extension Cords
437‑004‑2870
Attachment Plugs and Receptacles
437‑004‑2880
Cord and Plug-Connected Equipment
437‑004‑2900
Grounding and Bonding
437‑004‑2950
Switches and Circuit Breakers
437‑004‑3000
Identification and Load Ratings
437‑004‑3050
Work Near Overhead Lines
437‑004‑3075
Agricultural Buildings with Special Hazards
437‑004‑3100
Excavation
437‑004‑3410
Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3420
Working from Vehicles and Vehicle Loads
437‑004‑3430
Training for Agriculture Tractor Operators
437‑004‑3460
Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3480
Bridges, Roads and Ramps
437‑004‑3550
Servicing Multi Piece and Single Piece Rim Wheels
437‑004‑3600
Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Tractors in Agriculture
437‑004‑3650
Roll-Over Protective Structures — Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3660
Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms
437‑004‑6000
Adoption by Reference of Federal Standard
437‑004‑6001
Expiration and Implementation Dates
437‑004‑6401
Effective dates for worker training programs in Oregon
437‑004‑6405
Restrictions Associated With Outdoor Production Pesticide Applications
437‑004‑6406
Pesticide Spray Drift and Innovative Methods
437‑004‑6501
Handler training programs in Oregon
437‑004‑6502
Oregon requirements for Worker Protection Standard trainers of handlers who qualify using train-the-trainer programs
437‑004‑6508
Respiratory Protection
437‑004‑6509
Emergency eye-washes and eye flushing supplies
437‑004‑9000
Oregon Rules for Air Contaminants
437‑004‑9010
Fumigated Areas.
437‑004‑9050
Asbestos
437‑004‑9090
13 Carcinogens
437‑004‑9600
Lead
437‑004‑9620
Cadmium
437‑004‑9626
Chromium (VI)
437‑004‑9640
Benzene
437‑004‑9650
Bloodborne Pathogens
437‑004‑9710
Acrylonitrile
437‑004‑9720
Thiram
437‑004‑9740
Ethylene Oxide
437‑004‑9760
Formaldehyde
437‑004‑9780
Methylendianiline
437‑004‑9800
Hazard Communication Standard for Agricultural Employers
437‑004‑9830
Retention of Department of Transportation (DOT) Markings, Placards and Labels
437‑004‑9850
Pipe Labelling
437‑004‑9860
Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 437-004-0360’s source at or​.us