§ 1917.118 Fixed ladders.

(a) Scope and applicability. This section applies to all fixed ladders except:

(1) Ladders forming an integral part of railway cars, highway carriers, cargo containers or other transportation carrier equipment;

(2) Climbing devices such as step bolts or structural members of tanks and towers;

(3) Ladders built into or vertically attached to tubular scaffold framing; and

(4) Ladders used only for fire-fighting or emergency purposes.

(b) Definitions—(1) Cage (basket guard) means a barrier enclosing or nearly enclosing a ladder's climbing space and fastened to one or both of the ladder's side rails or to another structure.

(2) Fixed ladder means a ladder, including individual rung ladders, permanently attached to a structure, building or piece of equipment.

(3) Ladder safety device means a support system limiting an employee's drop or fall from the ladder, and which may incorporate friction brakes, lifelines and lanyards, or sliding attachments.

(4) Well means a permanent complete enclosure around a fixed ladder, which is attached to the walls of the well.

(c) Defects. (1) Ladders with broken, split or missing rungs, steps or rails, broken welds or connections, corrosion or wastage or other defect which may affect safe use shall be removed from service.

(2) Ladder repairs shall provide strength at least equivalent to that of the original ladder.