Fixed ladders must be secured properly, inspected regularly, and used appropriately. If a fixed ladder does not meet the listed requirements, you should inform your supervisor, foreman, or a competent person. [2] [2]

Here are some key requirements for fixed ladders under 24 feet:

• The distance between rungs should be 12 inches or less and uniform throughout the length of the ladder.
• The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats should be at least 16 inches.
• Rungs, cleats, and steps must be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or other projections that could be hazards.
• Rungs of metal ladders should be at least three-fourths (3/4) of one (1) inch in diameter.
• Rungs of wood ladders should be at least one and one-eighth (1 1/8) inches in diameter.
• Metal ladders should be painted or treated to protect them from corrosion and rusting when the location demands it.
• Wood ladders should be treated with a nonirritating preservative when used under conditions that may cause decay.

[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] Additional considerations include:

• The perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder should be 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees and 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees.
• The distance from the centerline of the rung to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder should be at least seven inches.
• Ensure a clear width of at least 15 inches on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object for ladders without cages or wells.
• Fixed ladders should not have a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal.
• The step-across distance from the centerline of the rungs or steps should be not less than 7 inches and not more than 12 inches to the nearest edge of the structure accessed from the ladders.

[1] [1] [6] [10] [10] For fixed ladders where the length of climb is less than 24 feet, but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet above lower levels, cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines are required. [3]

Additionally, ensure that ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift and maintained in a safe condition. Any ladder with defects should be tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and removed from service until repaired or replaced. [7] [7]

When using a ladder jack scaffold, ensure the platform height is not higher than twenty feet (6.1 m). [9]

Always face the ladder when climbing up or down, and use at least one hand to grasp the ladder. Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance and fall. [7] [7] [7]

The side rails of through or side-step ladders should extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. [8]

A clear width of at least 15 inches should be provided each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary. [4]

The preferred pitch of fixed ladders should be in the range of 75 to 90 degrees with the horizontal. [5]

Where an employee has to step a distance greater than 12 inches from the center line of the rung of a ladder to the nearest edge of structure or equipment, a landing platform shall be provided. The minimum step-across distance shall be 2 1/2 inches. [12]

Landing platforms are required for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except on chimneys. If landing platforms are constructed in accordance with standards for each 20 feet of height or fractions thereof, then no cages, wells, or ladder safety devices are required. [11]

All ladders should be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly, with the intervals between inspections determined by use and exposure. [5]

Fixed ladders having a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal are not permitted. [5]