Choose a safe route between levels
Learning objective: Identify the access rule and keep the route usable.
Stairs and ladders give access between levels, but a usable route must fit the work. Identify whether the task falls under construction or general industry before choosing the rule. The employer must resolve that question; the building name or the worker’s job title alone does not decide it. This course labels the two sets of requirements. Other standards and applicable state rules may add duties.
Construction: a stairway or ladder is required at a personnel access point with a break in elevation of 19 inches or more unless a ramp, runway, sloped embankment or personnel hoist is provided. Install required stairway and ladder fall protection before employees begin work that needs that access. A convenient object to climb is not a planned access system.
Construction: when ladders are the only way into or out of a work area, provide a double-cleated ladder or two or more separate ladders if 25 or more employees use the route, or if simultaneous two-way traffic is expected. A single ladder is not made adequate by asking everyone to hurry. Plan for the actual traffic and material movement.
Construction: keep the sole access point clear. If work or equipment restricts it, provide and use a second access point. Where there is more than one access point, keep at least one clear. General industry also requires safe access and exit from walking-working surfaces. Keep routes clean and orderly, control wet or slippery conditions, and correct hazards before use or guard the area until correction.
General industry: use standard stairs for regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms. Spiral, ship and alternating-tread stairs require the employer to demonstrate that standard stairs are not feasible and to follow manufacturer instructions. In construction, a spiral stairway is not allowed unless it will be a permanent part of the structure. Scaffold access and equipment-integral stairs have separate rules; this course is not permission to substitute one system for another.
Source context: 1926.1051; 1910.22; 1910.25(b)