NIST S 7101-66_Ladder Safety_090523.pdf

NIST S 7101.66 Ver. 1 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 1 of 18

LADDER SAFETY 1

NIST S 7101.66 3

Document Approval Date: 09/05/2023 4

Effective Date:1 04/01/2024 5

1. PURPOSE 8

The purpose of this program is to establish requirements and associated roles and 9 responsibilities to protect NIST employees and covered associates from hazards associated 10 with the use of ladders (see Section 7, DEFINITIONS) in the performance of their duties. 11

2. BACKGROUND 14

NIST O 7101.00: Occupational Safety and Health Management System requires adherence to 15 applicable portions of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 29 Code of 16

Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart D 1910.23, Ladders. 17

3. APPLICABILITY 20

a. The provisions of this suborder apply to all NIST employees and covered associates whose 21 work activities involve the use of ladders and step stools at any NIST workplace. 22

b. This suborder applies to the following equipment: 24

(1) Fixed ladders; 26

(2) Portable ladders; 28

(3) Mobile ladder stands; 30

(4) Mobile ladder stand platforms; 32

(5) Step ladders; 34

(6) Combination ladders; 36

1 For revision history, see Appendix A.

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(7) Step bolts; 38

(8) Manhole steps; and 40

(9) Step stools. 42

c. This suborder does not apply to the following equipment: 44

(1) Ladders integrated into equipment for access; 46

(2) Ladders related to emergency services equipment; 48

(3) Ladders associated with powered platforms covered by 29 CFR 1910.66(j); and 50

(4) Ladders associated with aerial lifts covered by 29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(v). 52

d. This suborder does not apply to personal fall protection and fall arrest systems associated 54 with the use of ladders. This topic is covered in NIST S 7101.67. 55

4. REFERENCES 58

a. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.21 to 1910.30 Subpart D, Walking and Working Surfaces 59

b. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.140 Subpart I, Personal Fall Protection Systems 61

c. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1960, Basic Program Elements for Federal Employees 63

d. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASC A14.1-2007: Wood Ladder Safety 65

Requirements 66

e. ANSI/ASC A14.2-2007: Portable Metal Ladder– Safety Requirements 68

f. ANSI/ASC A14.3-2008: Fixed Ladder Safety Requirements 70

g. ANSI/ASC A14.5-2007: Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladder Safety Requirements 72

h. ANSI/ASC A14.7-2011: Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms 74 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9715 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=1291 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.search_form?p_doc_type=STANDARDS&p_toc_level=1&p_keyvalue=1960

NIST S 7101.66 Ver. 1 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 3 of 18

5. APPLICABLE NIST OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SUBORDERS 77

a. NIST S 7101.20: Work and Worker Authorization Based on Hazard Reviews 78

b. NIST S 7101.23: Safety Education and Training 80

c. NIST S 7101.67: Fall Protection 82

d. NIST S 7101.73: Out of Service 84

e. NIST S 7401.01: Fire Protection and Life Safety for Design & Construction 86

6. REQUIREMENTS 89

a. Design Requirements 90

(1) All newly acquired ladders and step stools shall meet the design and construction 92 requirements as established in the appropriate standard for material type and use: 93

(a) ANSI-ASC A14.1-2007: Wood Ladder Safety Requirements; 95

(b) ANSI-ASC A14.2-2007: Portable Metal Ladder Safety Requirements, (includes 97 design information on step stools); 98

(c) ANSI/ASC A14.3-2008: Fixed Ladder Safety Requirements; and 100

(d) ANSI-ASC A14.5-2007: Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladder Safety Requirements. 102

(e) ANSI-ASC A14.7-2011, Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms. 104

(2) The use of in-house fabricated ladders and step stools is prohibited. 106

(a) Any in-house fabricated ladders and step stools is currently in use at NIST shall be: 108

i. Taken out of service by the effective date; or 110

ii. Replaced by the effective date. 112

(3) All ladders and step stools currently in use shall meet the design and construction 114 requirements as per Section 6.a(1) of this suborder. 115 https://www.nist.gov/oshe/safety-programs/work-and-worker-authorization-based-hazard-reviews-hazard-review https://www.nist.gov/oshe/safety-programs/safety-education-and-training-set-program https://www.nist.gov/oshe/safety-programs/fall-protection-program https://www.nist.gov/oshe/safety-programs/out-service-oos https://www.nist.gov/oshe/safety-programs/fire-protection-and-life-safety-design-and-construction-program

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(a) Ladders and step stools not meeting these requirements shall be removed from service 117 per NIST S 7101.73. 118

(4) Ladders and step stools shall be permanently marked with the following information: 120

(a) Manufacturer’s name or logo; 122

(b) Model number; 124

(c) Date of manufacture; 126

(d) Where applicable according to the standards listed in Section 6.a(1) of this 128 suborder: 129

i. ANSI standard compliant; 131

ii. Type; 133

iii. Duty rating; 135

iv. Maximum length or height, including the following, if applicable: 137

(i) Number of sections, and 139

(ii) Total length of sections; 141

v. Rated load; 143

vi. Number of users; 145

vii. Highest standing level; and 147

viii. Usage guidelines and other warning statements. 149

(e) When the information is illegible or missing, the ladder shall be taken out of 151 service. 152

i. If the information can be obtained from the manufacturer and affixed to 154 the ladder, it may be put back into service. 155

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ii. If the information cannot be obtained, the ladder shall be properly 157 disposed of. 158

(5) Step stools, ladder stands, and platforms that have wheels or casters shall be equipped 160 with a system that impedes horizontal movement when an employee is on the unit. 161

(6) Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells shall have: 163

(a) Clear width of at least 16 inches (40 cm) between the vertical rails of the ladder and 165 the vertical rails shall flare out to between 24 and 30 inches (clear width) and extend 166 at least 42 inches above the elevated surface being accessed; 167

(b) Clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the 169 nearest permanent object; and 170

(c) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the 172 steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. 173

i. When obstructions are unavoidable, clearance may be reduced to 24 inches 175

(61 cm) if deflector plates are installed. 176

(7) Step bolts and manhole steps: 178

(a) Installed prior to January 17, 2017, shall support their maximum intended load; and 180

(b) Installed after January 17, 2017, shall comply with OSHA 1910.24, i.e., be capable of 182 supporting at least four times their maximum intended load. 183

(8) Fixed ladders that access elevations 24 feet or more above the work surface below, shall 185 be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system as per the 186 requirements establish in NIST S 7101.67. 187

Note: Ladder cages can be used to control access or protect users from other hazards, 189 but they are no longer permitted for fall protection and when installed they shall not 190 interfere with the operation of any fall protection systems. 191

b. Inspection 193

(1) Ladders and step stools shall be inspected prior to each use. 195

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(a) Where an individual is using the same ladder for multiple tasks in a single shift, the 197 initial inspection shall be sufficient unless there is the need for a reinspection, please 198 see Section 6.b(2). 199

(b) Where multiple individuals are using the same ladder during a single shift, the initial 201 inspection shall be sufficient unless there is the need for a reinspection, please see 202

Section 6.b(2). 203

(c) Where ladder usage spans multiple shifts, the ladder shall be inspected prior to use of 205 each shift. 206

(2) Ladders and step stools shall be inspected after any occurrence that could affect their safe 208 use, such as falling object damage or being struck by equipment. 209

(3) An inspection checklist should be used to facilitate inspections; see Appendix B. 211

(4) If the inspection shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the ladder or step 213 stool: 214

(a) The ladder or step stool shall be tagged “DANGER – Do not use” and removed from 216 service in accordance with NIST S 7101.73; and 217

(b) The condition shall be immediately reported to the individual responsible for the 219 care and maintenance of the ladder or step stool. 220

(5) Personal fall protection, ladders safety systems and fall arrest systems associated with the 222 use of ladders shall be inspected per the requirements of NIST S 7101.67. 223

c. Use of Ladders 225

(1) Ladders shall be used in accordance with: 227

(a) Manufacturer’s instructions; and 229

(b) The hazard review or job hazard analysis developed for the specific activity. 231

i. OSHE shall develop generic job hazard analysis(es) for use of a ladder. This 233 job hazard analysis can be: 234

(i) Used to cover simple use of a ladder; or 236

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(ii) Incorporated into a job-specific hazard review or job hazard analysis 237 for which ladder use is a part of the work. 238

Upon request, OSHE will train staff on the job hazard analysis(es). 240

(2) Set-up. 242

(a) Ladders shall be used on stable and level surfaces unless one of the following is done 244 to prevent displacement of the ladder: 245

i. Firmly securing the ladder to a fixed object; 247

ii. Stabilizing the ladder against a fixed object; or 249

iii. Use ladders with cleats or non-slip safety feet that will prevent the ladder from 251 slipping. 252

(b) Ladders used on slippery surfaces shall be secured and stabilized. 254

(c) Ladders should not be used withing 10 feet of any uninsulated energized electrical 256 equipment. 257

(d) Non-self-supporting ladders (e.g., straight or extension ladders) shall: 259

i. Use the 4-to-1 rule where the distance base of the ladder to where the ladder 261 touches its support is one quarter of the working length of the ladder (see 262

Figure 1); 263

ii. Have both side rails supported unless the ladder is equipped with a single 265 support attachment designed for the ladder; and 266

iii. Have the side rails extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) beyond the upper surface 268 when using the ladder to gain access to an elevated surface (i.e., platform or 269 roof). 270

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(e) Temporary barricade(s) such as cones or caution tape shall be required when placing 289 ladders in passageways, doorways, or driveways. 290

(f) When using a ladder withing the swing of a door, the door shall be secured or a 292 coworker shall guard the ladder base. 293

(3) Individuals using a ladder shall: 295

(a) Always face the ladder when climbing up or down; 297

(b) Only one person should be on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is specifically 299 designed for more than single person use; 300

(c) Maintain their center of mass between the vertical rails of the ladder; 302

(d) Wear appropriate footwear that is kept reasonably clean to reduce slips, i.e., footwear, 304 that fits snuggly, provides good support, and has sturdy, non-slip soles; 305

(e) Maintain 3-points of contact with the ladder, i.e., always use at least one hand when 307 ascending or descending; 308

(f) Follow manufacture’s guidance on markings and labels, including weight limits, 310 appropriate use, and what steps can and cannot be used. 311

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(g) Refrain from carrying objects or loads that could cause a loss of balance; 313

i. Tools and materials should be brought up: 315

(i) Separately by rope and bucket/container; 317

(ii) On the person using a utility belt or backpack; or 319

(iii) Handed up once personnel are in place; 321

(h) Refrain from loading a ladder above its maximum intended load. 323

(i) Not use ladders horizontally, e.g., as walkways or scaffolding, unless they’re 325 specifically designed to be used in that manner. 326

(j) Maintain a ladder landing area that is free of objects that could pose a hazard to an 328 individual stepping off the ladder. 329

(4) Ladders shall not be moved when someone is on the unit. 331

(5) Users who tire easily, or who have physical limitations such as fainting, and/or are on 333 medication or prescription drugs that could cause physical impairment shall inform their 334 supervisor and be prohibited from using fixed ladders 24 feet long or greater. 335

(6) For outdoor work: 337

(a) Ladders should not be ascended or descended during active storms of any kind (e.g., 339 rain, snow, sleet) or high winds (20 miles per hour or more); and 340

(b) Ladders shall only be used if they are adequately cleaned of ice/frost, snow, or debris. 342

d. Use of Step Stools 344

(1) Step stools shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. 346

(2) Set-up. 348

(a) Step stools shall be used on stable and level surfaces. 350

(b) Step stools used on slippery surfaces shall be secured and stabilized. 352

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(3) Individuals using a step stool shall: 353

(a) Wear appropriate footwear, i.e., fits snuggly, provides good support, and has sturdy 355 non-slip soles; 356

(b) Refrain from carrying objects or loads that could cause a loss of balance; and 358

(c) Refrain from loading the step stool above its maximum intended load. 360

(4) Step stools shall not be moved when someone is on the unit. 362

e. Care and Maintenance 364

(1) All ladders and step stools shall be maintained and stored in accordance with the 366 manufacturer’s guidance. 367

(2) Structural repairs or modification of ladders and step stools shall be made in compliance 369 with the design requirements identified in Section 6.a.(1) of this suborder. 370

(3) All repairs of personal fall protection and fall arrest systems associated with the use of 372 ladders shall be made in accordance with the requirements of NIST S 7106.67. 373

f. Training 375

(1) Training shall be provided, documented, and recorded in accordance with the 377 requirements of the NIST S 7101.23. 378

(2) Employees and covered associates to whom this suborder applies shall receive the 380 following information and training prior to their initial use of a ladder or related piece of 381 equipment: 382

(a) General training provided by OSHE on ladder safety; and 384

(b) Activity-specific ladder safety training provided by their OUs. 386

(3) Employees and covered associates who will use personal fall protection and fall arrest 388 systems associated with the use of ladders shall receive training in accordance with the 389 requirements of NIST S 7106.67. 390

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7. DEFINITIONS 393

Definitions common to all NIST OSH suborders can be found in Section 6 of NIST O 7101.00. 394

The definitions specific to this suborder are as follows: 395

a. Cage – An enclosure mounted on the side rails of a fixed ladder or fastened to a structure 397 behind the fixed ladder that is designed to surround the climbing space of the ladder. A cage 398 also is called a "cage guard" or "basket guard". 399

b. Combination Ladder – A portable ladder that can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder, 401 trestle ladder. The components of a combination ladder also may be used separately as a 402 single ladder. 403

c. Extension Ladder – A non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length. 405

d. Fall Protection – Any equipment or device, including a personal fall arresting system or a 407 lifeline system, that prevents an individual from falling from an elevation or mitigates the 408 effect of such a fall. 409

e. Fixed Ladder – A ladder with rails or individual rungs that is permanently attached to a 411 structure, building, or equipment. Fixed ladders include individual-rung ladders, but not ship 412 stairs, step bolts, or manhole steps. 413

f. Ladder – Any one of the following pieces of equipment: 415

(1) Fixed ladders; 417

(2) Portable ladders; 419

(3) Mobile ladder stands; 421

(4) Mobile ladder stand platforms; 423

(5) Step ladders; 425

(6) Combination ladders; 427

(7) Step bolts2; 429

2 Equipment using step bolts and manhole steps are not considered “ladders” per OSHA requirements but are included here for completeness.

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(8) Manhole steps3; and 431

(9) Trestle ladder. 433

g. Ladder Safety System – A system designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of falling 435 from a ladder. A ladder safety system usually consists of a carrier, safety sleeve, lanyard, 436 connectors, and body harness. Cages and wells are not ladder safety systems. 437

h. Lower Level – A surface or area to which an employee could fall. Such surfaces or areas 439 include, but are not limited to, ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, 440 tanks, stored materials, water, equipment, and similar surfaces and structures, or portions 441 thereof. 442

i. Manhole Steps – Steps that are individually attached to, or set into, the wall of a manhole 444 structure. 445

j. Mobile Ladder Stand (Ladder Stand) – A mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting ladder that 447 usually consists of wheels or casters on a rigid base and steps leading to a top step. A mobile 448 ladder stand also may have handrails and is designed for use by one employee at a time. 449

k. Mobile Ladder Stand Platform – A mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting unit having one or 451 more standing platforms that are providing access to equipment, materials, another platform, 452 or an egress point. 453

l. Personal Fall Arrest System – A system that consists of a body harness, anchorage, and 455 connector and is used to protect individuals from falls. The means of connection may include 456 a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. 457

m. Personal Fall Protection System – A system (including all components) that provides 459 protection from falling or to safely arrest an individual’s fall if one occurs. Examples of 460 personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and 461 travel restraint systems. 462

n. Portable Ladder – A ladder that can readily be moved or carried and usually consists of side 464 rails joined at intervals by steps, rungs, or cleats. 465

o. Roof – The exterior surface on the top of a building. This does not include floors or 467 formwork which, because a building has not been completed, temporarily become the top 468 surface of a building. 469

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p. Rung, Step, or Cleat – The cross-piece of a ladder that is stepped on to climb up and down. 471

q. Step Bolt (Pole Step) – A bolt or rung attached at intervals along a structural member used 473 for foot placement and as a handhold when climbing or standing. 474

r. Stepladder – A self-supporting, portable ladder that has a fixed height, flat steps, and a 476 hinged back. 477

s. Step Stool – A type of self-supporting, portable ladder that has flat steps, side rails, a fixed 479 height not exceeding 32 inches (81 cm) at the top cap [although side rails or handles may 480 extend above the top cap and serve as a handle] and does not have a pail shelf. A stepstool is 481 designed so an individual can climb and stand on all steps including the top cap. 482

t. Trestle Ladder – A self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length, consisting of a 484

Trestle Ladder base and a vertically adjustable Extension section with a means for locking 485 the ladders together. 486

u. Well – A permanent, complete enclosure around a fixed ladder. 488

v. Work Area – A subpart of a NIST workplace. 490

8. ACRONYMS 493

Acronyms common to all NIST OSH suborders can be found in Section 7 of NIST O 7101.00. 494

The acronyms specific to this suborder are as follows: 495

a. ANSI – American National Standards Institute 497

b. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations 499

c. NFPA – National Fire Protection Association 501

d. NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology 503

e. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration 505

f. OSHE – Office of Safety, Health, and Environment 507

g. OU – Organizational Unit 509

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9. RESPONSIBILITIES 511

Roles and responsibilities common to all NIST OSH suborders can be found in Section 8 of NIST 512

O 7101.00. The roles and responsibilities specific to this suborder are as follows: 513

a. OU Directors are responsible for: 515

(1) Establishing policies and procedures, as needed, for the requirements of this program to 517 be met as it applies to their employees and covered associates to mitigate hazards 518 associated with ladders and step stools in their OU-assigned space and ensuring that those 519 policies and procedures are implemented; and 520

(2) Ensuring subordinate managers have the authority, resources, and training needed to 522 implement OU-established policies and procedures. 523

b. NIST AMD is responsible for: 525

(1) Including applicable OSHA, ANSI, and NFPA design requirements for ladders in all 527 applicable purchases and contracting requests for quotes (RFQs). 528

c. OSHE Program Manager for this Program is responsible for: 530

(1) Providing safety consultation and guidance pertaining to the use of ladders and step 532 stools in accordance with regulations, consensus standards, and industry best practices; 533

(2) Upon request, providing activity-specific ladder safety training; 535

(3) Reviewing this suborder at least annually and updating it when necessary to ensure its 537 effectiveness in protecting employees and covered associates from the hazards of ladder 538 and step stool use at NIST workplaces; and, 539

(4) Making this suborder available to employees and covered associates, and upon request. 541

10. AUTHORITIES 544

There are no authorities specific to this suborder alone. For authorities applicable to all NIST 545

OSH suborders, see section 9 of NIST O 7101.00. 546

11. DIRECTIVE OWNER 549

Chief Safety Officer 550

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12. APPENDICIES 551

A. Revision History 552

B. Ladder and Step Stool Evaluation Guidance 554

C. Sample Sign: Danger– Do Not Use 556

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Appendix A. Revision History 558

Version

No.

Approval

Date

Effective

Date Brief Description of Change; Rationale

1 09/05/2023 04/01/2024 • None – Initial document

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Appendix B. Ladder and Step Stool Evaluation Guidance 562

Fixed, Portable, Extension and Mobile Ladder Inspection Guidance

User/Inspector: Step Stool Combination Date:

Ladder ID: Step Ladder Extension Mobile Fixed

MFR, Serial #: Wood Metal Fiberglass Other

All units shall be visually inspected before first use of the day & every shift thereafter if use continues. 563

# Item Yes No NA

1. General: Applies to ALL Ladders and Step Stools

a. Steps, cleats or rungs are ridged, not loose (can be moved by hand).

b. No nails, screws, bolts, or other loose materials are present.

c. No cracked, split, or broken uprights, braces, steps. or rungs are present.

d. Rungs, cleats, and steps are uniformly spaced.

e. Rungs/steps on metal ladders corrugated or knurled to prevent slipping.

f. Contact areas are free of grease, oil, or slippery materials (clean if needed).

g. Wooden components do not have opaque coatings

h. Wooden components are free from decay.

i. All movable parts operate freely.

j. Feet or non-slip on vertical supports/ends are not damaged or excessively worn

k. Feet with locking mechanisms operate as designed.

l. Unit is stable, not wobbly when set up or ready to use

m. Labeled with manufacture name, date of manufacture and model

2. Step and Combination Ladders

a. Overall height is less than 24 feet

b. Hinge spreaders are intact, not loose, broken or bent

c. All stops/locks on hinge spreaders are functional

d. Edges on spreaders are smooth not sharp

3. Extension Ladders

a. All extension locks are present, none are loose or broken

b. All locks seat properly when ladder is extended

c. Ropes are not frayed or worn

d. Single ladder is 30’or less, Two-section ladder is 48’(metal) or 60’ (wood) or less

4. Mobile Ladders and Step Stools

a. Locking mechanism is engaged or engages when stepping on the unit

b. Locking mechanism prevents unit from moving when engaged

c. All handrails & guardrails are intact with smooth surfaces (when present)

5. Fixed Ladders (24 feet or Greater)

a. Well or cage is fully intact [Note: Cage will need to be replaced with LFS by June 2036]

b. Adequate Clearance around ladder and inside the well or cage is obstruction free.

c. Ladder Safety System/Fall Protection Systems functions properly (if present)

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Appendix C. Sample Sign: Danger -Do Not Use 564

Based on NIST S 7101.73: Out of Service 565