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Jenkins Academy of Applied Technology

Stairways and Ladders — Regulatory crosswalk

Stairways and Ladders · v1.0.0 · October 22, 2026

Course developed by Todd Jerome Jenkins, MS, CSP.

Core construction Subpart X and general-industry stairway and ladder knowledge, with industry and installation-date differences identified. Actual equipment design, task instruction, fall-system training and safe performance remain employer responsibilities.

AreaBasisLessonsTreatment and separate evidence
Choose a safe route between levels1926.1051; 1910.22; 1910.25(b)accessIdentify the access rule and keep the route usable. Identify the industry, elevation change, traffic and clear access route for your actual task.
Select the right ladder and load limit1926.1053(a), (b)(3)–(4), (b)(8)–(10); 1910.23(b), (c)(3)–(4)selectionMatch the ladder to the task and its intended load. List the full task load and confirm the ladder type, usable height and manufacturer instructions.
Inspect and remove defective equipment1926.1053(b)(15)–(18); 1910.23(b)(9)–(10); 1910.22(d)inspectionApply the inspection timing and stop use when defects appear. Use the actual inspection process and demonstrate how a defective ladder is isolated and reported.
Set up portable ladders for stable access1926.1053(b)(1), (b)(5)–(7), (b)(10)–(14); 1910.23(b), (c); 1910.333(c)(7)setupControl placement, landing access, traffic and electrical exposure. Demonstrate a safe setup and landing transition with the actual ladder, traffic controls and electrical precautions.
Climb and work without losing balance1926.1053(b)(11), (b)(20)–(22); 1910.23(b)(11)–(13), (c)(6)climbingUse safe climbing and reposition before reaching too far. Practice a controlled climb and material-handling method on safe equipment under employer instruction.
Use stepladders and mobile ladder stands1926.1053(a)(8), (b)(13), (b)(19); 1910.23(b)(8), (c)(8), (e)stepladdersDistinguish stable working positions from unsafe shortcuts. Identify permitted steps, locking devices and the movement controls on the units your employer uses.
Check fixed-ladder access and clearance1926.1053(a)(13)–(19); 1910.23(d)fixedaccessRecognize fixed-ladder transitions that need correction. Review the actual ladder’s clearance, attachment and protected landing transition with the responsible person.
Match fixed-ladder fall protection to the rule1926.1053(a)(18)–(23); 1910.28(b)(9); 1910.29(i); 1910.30(a)fixedfallsDistinguish construction requirements from general-industry installation dates. Record installation and replacement dates, height, selected protection and actual worker training for each fixed ladder.
Use construction stairways safely1926.1052(a)constairsRecognize temporary-stair and landing requirements. Check actual temporary treads, landings, uniformity and slip control before the route is released.
Recognize general-industry stair requirements1910.25; 1910.22gistairsCheck standard stairs and landings against the applicable installation rule. Check the stair type and installation date, clear landings, uniform steps and any unresolved structural defects.
Distinguish handrails from stair rails1926.1052(c); 1910.28(b)(11); 1910.29(f)railsMatch grasping support and edge protection to the industry rule. Distinguish each rail’s function and verify the industry, installation date, height, openings and landing protection.
Complete workplace training and keep skills current1926.1060; 1910.30; employer emergency procedurestrainingIdentify trainer requirements, retraining and actual workplace evidence. Complete the workplace training record, verify safe task performance and arrange retraining when gaps or changes arise.

Sources

Federal sources reviewed October 22, 2026. Confirm the actual work, jurisdiction and applicable additional requirements. OSHA guidance supports planning; it is distinguished from mandatory standard text.