California Code of Regulations › Title 8 - Industrial Relations › Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations › Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety › Subchapter 14 - Petroleum Safety Orders-Drilling and Production › Article 28 - Ladders and Ladderway Openings for Derricks and Masts › Section 6599 - Ladders for Derricks and Masts

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
(a) Except as provided for gin pole masts in
					 Section 6600, every derrick or mast shall
					 be equipped with a fixed ladder or ladders arranged to provide access from the
					 ground, floor level, or a base landing on the vehicle on which it is mounted,
					 to the crown platform and to any intervening fixed platform in or on the
					 derrick or mast.
(b) The width of
					 ladders shall be at least twelve inches (12"), measured from the inside of the
					 side rails except that ladders for telescoping type derricks or masts shall be
					 not less than eleven inches (11").
(c) Rung or step spacing shall be uniform and
					 parallel, and shall be at least twelve inches (12") but not more than sixteen
					 inches (16") from top to top of consecutive rungs or steps. The clear space
					 above the rungs or steps shall be at least six inches (6").
(d) Where sections of ladders are spliced,
					 they shall be supported at the splice so the ladder will be aligned and the
					 splice will not reduce the strength of the ladder.
(e) On the climbing side of the ladder a
					 clear and unobstructed space shall be maintained of at least twelve inches
					 (12") from each side of a line drawn vertically through the ladder width, and
					 of at least twenty-four inches (24") outward, but this does not forbid the use
					 of a safety device to prevent or control falls from a ladder when the use of
					 the device is approved by the Division or designed and constructed in
					 compliance with recognized national standards such as ANSI, UL, or Factory
					 Mutual. This subsection does not apply to ladderway openings in
					 platforms.
(f) Throughout the
					 length and width of the back of the ladder, a space of at least four inches
					 (4") shall be maintained clear of all obstructions that present a tripping
					 hazard, prevent adequate footing, or prevent a secure handhold to the
					 ladder.
(g) No ladder shall lean
					 backward from the vertical.
No ladder shall lean sideways more than five and
						three-fourths degrees (5 3/4°) from the vertical, provided, however, that
						ladders for the cantilever type derricks or masts shall not lean sideways more
						than three degrees (3°).
Ladders shall be so constructed that the rungs or steps
						are approximately horizontal at the normal operating position of the derrick or
						mast and never more than two degrees (2°) from the
						horizontal.
(h) The lowest
					 rung or step of the ladder or ladder section shall be not more than eighteen
					 inches (18") above the ground, floor, or platform landing.
(i) Ladders shall be constructed and secured
					 to the derrick or mast to support all expected working loads.
(j) The top end of each terminating ladder or
					 ladder section providing access to any fixed platform in or on a derrick or
					 mast shall extend at least three and one-half feet (3 1/2') above the platform
					 unless suitable handholds are provided.
(k) Unless a ladder climbing assist device is
					 used, continuous ladders or ladder sections below the racking platform of the
					 derrick or mast shall be provided with platforms at intervals not exceeding
					 forty feet (40') upon which employees may rest.
Such platforms shall be not less than twelve inches (12")
						in depth nor less than eighteen inches (18") in width. handholds shall be
						provided above the rest platform. Toeboards and railings are not
						required.
(l) If ladders are
					 offset, such offsets shall be located at ladder offset rest platforms
					 only.
(m) Ladder cages are not
					 required on any derrick or mast except as provided for in Section
					 6600 (b) of this
					 article and Section
					 6589 (a) of
					 Article 25.
(n) Counterweighted
					 ladder climbing assist devices may be used in conjunction with a ladder
					 climbing safety device or in conjunction with rest platforms on the ladder in
					 conformance with these orders. If the assist device is used in conjunction with
					 ladders with rest platforms, the counterweight shall weigh no more than 100
					 pounds. Employees using the assist device shall be instructed in the proper use
					 of the device, which shall require the use of both hands and feet in contact
					 with the ladder as if climbing with no assist device.
1.
						Amendment filed 7-20-59; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 59, No.
						12).
2. Amendment of article 28 heading, section heading, section
						and NOTE filed 5-8-95; operative 6-7-95 (Register 95, No.
						19).
Note: Authority cited: Section
						  142.3, Labor
						  Code. Reference: Section
						  142.3, Labor
						  Code.