This slide share on Ladders (roof access ladders, rooftop ladders) code changes for 2018 for OSHA 1910.23 will help you better understand how to specify these ladders for your buildings.

1. 4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
matt@precisionladders.com
1910.23 and ANSI A14.3 Codes
2018

2. Sometimes called Rooftop Ladders or Access
Ladders
FIXED VERTICAL LADDERS
COMMON MINIMUM CODE
REQUIREMENTS

3. Applicable Codes for Fixed Ladders
 OSHA-Occupational
Safety & Health
Admin.
 ANSI-American
National Standards
Institute
 OSHA and ANSI code are
similar. The more stringent
code element in each is
 National codes
 OSHA 1910.23
 www.OSHA.gov
 ANSI A14.3
 www.ANSI.org
 Websites offer easy code
reference

4. Areas of Angle
 Fixed ladders having a pitch
greater than 90 degrees from the
horizontal are not used
 Substandard pitch range of 60 to
75 degrees from the horizontal
Angle Type
≤ 30° Ramps
30° - 50° Standard Stairs
50° - 70° Ship Stairs
50° - 70° Alternating Tread-Type Stairs
60° - 90° Ladders

5.  Live Load per Rung
Requirements
 250 lbs. (ANSI)
 Note: Industry standard is +/-
1000 pounds
Rungs, Cleats or Steps

6. Rungs, Cleats or Steps
 Requirement = burr free power grip surface
 Any shape is accepted
 ¾” minimum cross section standard
 1” minimum in high corrosion areas
 Anti-slip texture preferred

7. Rungs, Cleats or Steps
 OSHA says 10”-14” vertical spacing
 ANSI says 12” vertical step spacing
 Uniform spacing throughout climb
 ANSI states bottom rung 14”
maximum above ground
12” MAX
14” MAX
14” MAX
12”

8. Clear Space Behind Ladder
 7” minimum clear space behind
ladder
 Exceptions for unavoidable obstructions are rarely
granted.
7”
MIN
7” min

9. Climber Clearance
15“ min 15” min
 15” clear width left and right
 Except when cage required

10. Climber Clearance
 Minimum 30”
clearance
 Minimum 36” at a
76° pitch
 All others
proportional distance
determined by slope
2’ 6”min

11. Step Across Distance
 Distance from the centerline
of the top step to a weight
bearing surface:
 OSHA = 7” to 12”
 ANSI = 7” to 12”
 Platforms are required to gap
larger step across distances

12. Ladder Extensions at Walk Thru Exit
 24” clear opening
 Standard true for caged
ladders
 Exit Straight through = 42”
side rail extension is
required

13. Fixed Vertical Ladders
LADDERS OVER 24
FEET

14. Safety Cages (OSHA)
 Cages provided on ladders more than 24’
 Existing (installed before November 19, 2018) equipped with personal
fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage or well
 New (installed after November 19, 2018) equipped with a personal fall
arrest system or ladder safety system
 Final Deadline (on and after November 18, 2036) All fixed ladders
equipped with a person fall arrest system or ladders safety system
 Recommended on shorter ladders in dangerous locations
 Cages extend past exit point
 Cages start between 7’ and 8’ above ground
 Cage sizes and shapes set by code

15. Rooftop Ladders
This does NOT include all the OSHA code changes or
requirements for 2018. Please call or email our office for
more information.

16. 4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
matt@precisionladders.com
1910.23 and ANSI A14.3 Codes
2018