Pennsylvania Code › Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY › Part I - Department of Labor and Industry › Chapter 21 - LADDERS › CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS › Section 21.34 - Fixed ladders

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Side
				  rails and rungs.
Minimum dimensions of side rails and rungs shall be
				  in accordance with §§
										21.32 and
				  21.33 (relating to side rails; and
				  steps). Fixed ladders in other than vertical position shall have side rails
				  increased in section to provide for possible increase in stress.
(b)
Securement.
Fixed
				  ladders shall be firmly secured in position in accordance with other provisions
				  of this chapter.
(c)
Splices.
Splices for fixed ladders shall be of the same depth
				  as the side rails. The length of splice plates for metal or wood side rails
				  shall be four times the depth of the side rail. They shall be made of metal not
				  less than 1/4 inch in thickness chamfered on the ends.
(d)
Bolts and rivets.
Heads
				  of bolts and rivets shall be countersunk or of the button type. The heads shall
				  be on the outside of the rail. Bolts or rivets shall not be less than 1/2 inch
				  nor more than 5/8 inch in diameter. Bolt ends shall be chamfered and only the
				  chamfered end shall extend beyond the nut. Rivet ends shall be finished in
				  button shape like the heads. Washers shall be placed under the nuts and rivet
				  ends on wood side rails. On each side of the joint there shall be a minimum of
				  three bolts or rivets for metal side rails and a minimum of four bolts or
				  rivets for wood side rails. Bolts and rivets in both metal and wood side rails
				  shall be staggered in position.
(e)
Clearances.
Distance from front of rungs to nearest permanent
				  object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches.
				  Distance from back of rungs to nearest permanent object shall be not less than
				  6 1/2 inches. There shall be a clear width of at least 15 inches from the
				  center line of the ladder on either side across the front of the ladder.
				  Ladders equipped with a cage, basket or the equivalent shall be
				  excepted.
(f)
Fastenings.
Fastenings shall be made of material equivalent in strength to the
				  rails and shall be of sufficient length to allow a minimum distance as required
				  by subsection (d) between buildings and rungs of the ladder. Fastenings shall
				  be made to the permanent structure either by building in or by through bolts,
				  rivets, or expansion bolts grouted, leaded, or the equivalent.
(g)
Distance.
The maximum
				  distance between fastenings or braces shall not be in excess of 10 feet in
				  ladders over 15 feet in length unless other provisions giving equivalent
				  security are provided.
(h)
Pitch.
The pitch of a fixed ladder shall not be such that the
				  position of a person is necessarily below the ladder when climbing, unless a
				  cage guard is provided.
(i)
Cages.
Ladders over 30 feet in length shall be provided with
				  cages or wells of adequate dimensions except when the ladder is built in zigzag
				  sections, and provided with platforms between sections.
(j)
Bottom of cage.
Cages
				  when used shall extend from the top of the ladder to a point 7 feet above the
				  base, with the bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or the portion of the cage
				  opposite the ladder shall be carried to the base.
(k)
Construction.
Cages
				  shall be substantially built and securely fastened to the ladder. The inside
				  shall be clear of projections. Materials used shall be of a cross section not
				  less than that required for the side rails of a fixed ladder.
(l)
Cage size.
Cages shall
				  not extend less than 24 inches nor more than 28 inches from the face of the
				  ladder. The cage should not be less than 24 inches wide.
(m)
Offset platforms.
If
				  fixed ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 30 feet, it is
				  recommended that landing platforms be provided for each 30 feet and the ladder
				  sections be offset, each from the others. When the installation condition
				  requires offset sections of ladders, the sections shall be joined by a landing
				  platform. Fire ladders and ladders equipped with cages may be excepted from
				  this requirement.
(n)
Above
				  roof.
The side rails of fixed ladders shall extend at least 3 1/2 feet
				  above the roof or landing platform, preferably being goosenecked, unless other
				  convenient and secure handholes are fixed at these places. It is recommended
				  that the rungs be omitted from the extension.
(o)
Ladder to roof.
When a
				  man steps a distance greater than 18 inches from the ladder to the roof, tank
				  or the like, a landing platform is recommended.
(p)
Railings and toeboards.
All landing platforms shall be equipped with standard railings and toeboards so
				  arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. The platforms should not be less
				  than 24 inches wide.
(q)
Top rung.
The top rung of any section of a fixed ladder shall
				  be at the level of the adjacent landing platform served by the
				  ladder.
(r)
Safety devices.
Approved ladder safety devices may be used on towers, water tanks,
				  and chimney ladders over 30 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection.
				  All ladder safety devices such as those that incorporate life belts, friction
				  brakes and sliding attachments shall meet the design requirements of the
				  ladders which they serve.
This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §
												21.39 (relating to fire
						ladders).