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Job Made Ladder Safety Overview
A job made ladder can be an important tool on many construction sites. If built and used improperly, however, they can be very dangerous. The following information is an overview of the OSHA code for job made ladders.
Construction
Job made ladders must be constructed in a way to meet or exceed their intended use. Making a ladder stronger than expected is advisable. If the ladder is the only way of entering or exiting a work area with 25 or more workers, or up and down traffic is expected on that same ladder, a double cleat ladder must be used, essentially creating two ladders in one. Cleats are also known as rungs or steps.
The side rails of job made ladders made of wood must be an equivalent wood to Douglas Fir. There must not be any sharp edges or splinters. It is preferred that the wood be free of knots. If there are any knots the knot must not be bigger than1/2 inch in diameter. Rungs of the ladder must be straight grained, free of knots, and not be spaced no more than 12 inches apart. The tolerance for variance in the space between the rungs is ¼ inch.
Construction
Job made ladders must be constructed in a way to meet or exceed their intended use. Making a ladder stronger than expected is advisable. If the ladder is the only way of entering or exiting a work area with 25 or more workers, or up and down traffic is expected on that same ladder, a double cleat ladder must be used, essentially creating two ladders in one. Cleats are also known as rungs or steps.
The side rails of job made ladders made of wood must be an equivalent wood to Douglas Fir. There must not be any sharp edges or splinters. It is preferred that the wood be free of knots. If there are any knots the knot must not be bigger than1/2 inch in diameter. Rungs of the ladder must be straight grained, free of knots, and not be spaced no more than 12 inches apart. The tolerance for variance in the space between the rungs is ¼ inch.
Height Limits
Double cleat ladders, which are the most common type, must not exceed 24 feet in length. Single cleat ladders must not be any longer than 30 feet. Single cleat ladders must be at least 15 inches wide, but cannot be wider than 20 inches. The minimum wood size for single cleat ladders up to 16 feet is 2×4 inches. Above 16 feet, 2×6 inch wood must be used. For double cleat ladders up to 12 feet 2×4 inch wood must be used. Above 12 feet up to 24, feet 2×6″ wood shall be used. Filler blocks must be used between the rungs for support.
Other Tips
Job made ladders are used to access many different types of construction sites. Make sure the ladders made on your site follow the Cal-OSHA code for Job Made ladders. Inspect your ladders daily. Make sure that the ladders are tied off at the top and bottom landings. Job made ladders must be set on a level surface. The surface must be stable as well. The top of the ladder must extend 3 feet above the landing area.
More details on job made ladders can be found on an informative OSHA Fact Sheet HERE.