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 18 - Standard Type Derricks › Section 6564 - Derrick Ladders

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
(a)
					 (G-2, G-3) Every derrick shall be equipped with a fixed ladder or ladders
					 providing access from the derrick floor to the derrick crown platform and to
					 each intervening outside derrick platform.
EXCEPTION: The lower end of fixed ladders may be
						terminated at a height not to exceed ten feet (10') above the floor or working
						area. A secured portable ladder of similar design shall provide access to the
						lower section of the fixed ladder when the ladder is in use.
(b) (G-2, G-3) The width of ladders shall be
					 at least twelve inches (12"), measured from the inside of the side
					 rails.
(c) (G-2, G-3) Uniform and
					 parallel rung or step spacing shall be employed and shall be not less than
					 twelve inches (12") nor more than sixteen inches (16") from top to top of rungs
					 or steps. The clear space between rungs or steps shall be not less than eight
					 inches (8").
(d) (G-2, G-3) Where
					 sections of a ladder are spliced, they shall be so supported at the splice that
					 the ladder will be aligned and the splice will not be stressed beyond its safe
					 working limit.
(e) On the climbing
					 side of the ladder, a clear and unobstructed space shall be maintained to a
					 distance of at least twelve inches (12") from each side of a center line drawn
					 vertically through the center of the ladder width and to a distance at least
					 twenty-four inches (24") outward from the front of the ladder rungs or steps;
					 provided, however, this does not apply to ladderway openings in platforms, nor
					 does it forbid the use of safety devices 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.
(f) (G-2, G-3)
					 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 a safe footing, or prevent a secure handhold to the
					 ladder rungs or steps.
(g) No
					 ladder shall lean backward from the vertical. Ladders may, if necessary, lean
					 sideways from the vertical but not in excess of three degrees (3°),
					 provided, however, that the slope of the rungs or steps, in the width dimension
					 of the ladder, shall not exceed two degrees (2°) from the
					 horizontal.
(h) (G-2, G-3) The
					 lowest rung or step of a ladder or ladder section shall be not more than
					 sixteen inches (16") above the derrick floor or platform landing.
(i) (G-2, G-3) Every ladder shall be secured
					 with bolts, brackets, or equivalent fastening.
(j) (G-2, G-3) The top end of each ladder or
					 ladder section providing access to the derrick crown platform, outside derrick
					 platform, ladder offset platform, inside derrick platform, monkey board
					 platform or any fixed platform in or on a derrick shall extend at least three
					 and one-half feet (3 1/2') above the platform.
(k) (G-3) Continuous ladders or ladder
					 sections shall be provided with platforms at intervals not exceeding forty feet
					 (40') upon which the employee 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) Ladders
					 constructed of wood shall be as follows:
(1)
					 (G-2, G-3) Side rails shall be not less than two by four inches (2" x 4"),
					 nominal size.
(2) (G-2, G-3) Rungs
					 or steps shall be not less than one by four inches (1" x 4"), nominal
					 size.
(3) (G-2, G-3) In addition to
					 nailing rungs or steps to the side rails, provision shall be made to prevent
					 the rungs or steps from being pulled off under normal use. This shall be done
					 by nailing strips of not less than one by two inch (1" x 2") lumber to the side
					 rails, over the ends of the rungs, or steps, or by other means providing
					 equivalent fastenings.
(4) (G-2,
					 G-3) The top and bottom of each side rail of the ladder section shall be
					 secured to the derrick with bolts at least three-eighths inch (3/8") in
					 diameter or other equivalent means.
Lag screws, spikes or nails are not acceptable as a means
						of securing such ladders in place.