437-002-0026 Portable Ladders (1) Scope and application. This rule applies to the use of portable ladders, including job-made ladders, in addition to the rules in 1910.23 Ladders. (2) Definitions. These definitions apply to portable ladder terms in this rule. Additional terms in 1910.21(b) apply to portable ladders within 1910.23 and this rule. (a) Job-made ladder. A non-commercially manufactured portable ladder constructed on the worksite for temporary use. (b) Non-self-supporting ladder. A class of portable ladders that, by design, must be placed against a structure independent of itself, such as a wall, to remain standing for use. Single ladders, extension ladders, sectional ladders, and articulating ladders set up in a straight ladder mode are examples of non-self-supporting ladders. (c) Self-supporting ladder. A class of portable ladders that, by design, stand on their own when erected for use without assistance from external structures. Stepladders, double front ladders, platform ladders, trestle ladders, and articulating ladders set up in a stepladder mode are examples of self-supporting ladders. (3) Ladder selection. The employer must ensure: (a) Wood ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.1-2007. (b) Portable metal ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.2-2007. (c) Portable reinforced plastic (fiberglass) ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.5-2007. NOTE to 437-002-0026(3): Unaltered and properly maintained ladders that meet the ANSI standard in effect at the time of their manufacture comply with this standard. This includes job-made ladders designed and built according to American National Standard A14.4-1979 and portable ladders that comply with newer versions of the particular ANSI standard. (4) Use – all portable ladders. The employer must ensure: (a) Each self-supporting ladder or combination ladder used in a self-supporting ladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in a fully open position while the ladder is in use. (b) Each non-self-supporting ladder is erected to the angle represented in Figure D-1 of 1910.23(c)(11) unless otherwise instructed in writing by the ladder manufacture. Figure D-1 (c) No employee steps, jumps or otherwise moves from one erected ladder to another. (d) Ladders are not used as planks or bridges between walking-working surfaces or in other horizontal applications. (e) Ladders are not used to gain additional height from elevated surfaces such as scaffolds, truck beds, vehicle bodies, tractor scoops or boom truck buckets. (f) Ladders are not used as supports for working platforms or scaffolding planks unless approved for such purposes by the ladder manufacturer. NOTE to 437-002-0026(4): When working on or near electric circuits or energized lines, comply with 1910.333(c) in Division 2/S. [ED. NOTE: Figures and Tables referenced are available from the agency.] [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.] [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.] Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(3) Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295 History: OSHA 2-2017, f. 5-16-17, cert. ef. 11-1-17 OSHA 10-1999, f. & cert. ef. 9-10-99