Ladders must be inspected before use on each shift and after any modification. Any condition that might endanger workers must be remedied before the equipment is used. [1]

A manufactured portable ladder must be marked for the grade of material used and the use for which it is constructed. [1]

Portable ladders should be placed on a firm and level surface and be of sufficient length for the work. Non-self-supporting ladders must be positioned so that the ladder is leaning against the vertical plane of support at an approximate angle of 75° when measured from the horizontal plane of support. If the ladder provides access to an upper landing, it should project approximately 1 m (3 ft) above the upper landing and be sufficiently secured to ensure stability. [1] [1]

The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who uses a ladder. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to the ladder and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards. [2]

Each employee must be trained by a competent person in fall hazards, erecting and maintaining fall protection systems, proper ladder construction, use and placement, and the load-carrying capacities of ladders. [2]

A ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access if there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more and if a ramp, runway, sloped embankment, stairway, or personnel hoist is not provided. [2]

Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when a ladder is in position for use. [2]

Ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury. Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced. [5] [5]

Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it and uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder. No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder. [5] [5] [5]

Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement and are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load. [5] [5]

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. [9]

Portable ladders shall be inspected before use, and ladders with loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other hazardous defects shall be removed from service. [4]

Where a portable single or extension ladder is in use the ladder shall be placed so that the horizontal distance from the base to the vertical plane of support is approximately one-quarter of the ladder length between supports; and the lower ends of the ladder side rails shall rest on a firm and level base and the upper support of the side rails shall be rested on a bearing surface strong enough to safely withstand the applied load. [4]

A ladder shall be of sufficient length to project approximately one metre above the level of the upper landing to which it provides access, except where there is limited clearance and the ladder is adequately secured. [4]

Except as otherwise permitted by a manufacturer, a worker shall not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder. A worker shall maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder. [4] [4]

Ladders should be appropriate for the task, with consideration for strength, type, length and CSA approval. The load rating should be indicated on the ladder and be appropriate for the user, equipment, and task. [6] [6]

Ladders should be free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. [9]

Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity and shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. [9] [9]

Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder and the area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. [9] [9]

Each self-supporting portable ladder should support at least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. [7] [7]

A ladder shall be inspected before use and after it has fallen or been involved in an accident to determine its condition. A ladder that has any of the following faults and defects shall be immediately tagged "DANGEROUS - DO NOT USE" and shall be withdrawn from service: Broken, worn, or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split side rails, broken or bent guides or iron spreaders, or broken or bent locks. [3] [3]

Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition that meets its original design criteria before the ladder is returned to use. [3]

A ladder shall not be placed in a passageway, doorway, driveway, or any location where it may be displaced, unless it is protected by barricades or guards or is secured to prevent displacement. A ladder shall be placed on a substantial and stable base unless it is secured to prevent accidental displacement, and the area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear. [3] [3]

An employee shall face the ladder when ascending or descending and use at least 1 hand to grasp the ladder. An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. [3]

A portable ladder must be used at such a pitch that the horizontal projected distance from the top support to the base is not more than 1/4 of the vertical distance between these points and shall be equipped with appropriate safety feet, unless the ladder is tied, blocked, or otherwise secured to prevent it from being displaced. [3] [3]

A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used, and the ladder shall be opened fully and the spreaders shall be locked while in use. [8]

A ladder shall be maintained free of slip-enhancing hazards and in good working condition and shall not be painted with an opaque material. [8] [8]

Side rails and legs of a ladder shall be kept free from splinters, and the joint between the side rail and step shall be kept tight and metal hardware and fittings secured. [8]

Ladder surfaces shall be free of puncture or laceration hazards. [8]