What’s Has Changed for Fixed Ladders under the updated OSHA 1910 Ruling?
Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. The final ruling affects a wide range of workers, from painters to employees in a warehouse, however it dose not change the construction or agricultural standards. The most recent change has to do with ladders which extend 24 feet or higher above a lower level. Ladders that are 24 feet or higher can no longer use “safety cages” as a means of protecting workers. Ladders newly installed or altered after November 19, 2018 require a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system for your employees.
Several of the important changes are:
New Height Requirement-
Fall protection is required on ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet.
Repair or Replacement Guidelines-
As of November 18th, 2018, a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system will be used to replace any damaged, non-functioning sections, Cages or wells previously installed on a fixed ladder. Under the new equipment specification as of November 19th, 2018, cages are no longer considered compliant for fall protection in newly installed ladders. To meet OSHA standards, a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system is required.
Timeline-
As of November 19, 2018 OSHA is giving General Industry a heads up and deadline. As of November 19th 2036, cages will no longer be accepted as a form of fall protection, and all fixed ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet high must use a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system. Why the time gap? OSHA is giving workplaces, including warehouses, utilities, retail, and manufacturing, some time to transition. If you already have a cage attached to a fixed ladder, OSHA will accept its use for the next 19 years.
The dates you need to remember are:
May 17, 2017: Employees need to be trained on equipment covered by the final ruling, and trained on fall hazards.
November 19, 2018: All 24 feet tall fixed ladders installed or replaced at this time must have compliant fall protection.
November 20, 2017: Inspect and certify permanent anchorages for rope decent systems.
November 18, 2036: Cages cannot be installed as viable fall protection. All fixed ladders used in general industry will adhere to the same fall protection requirements.
For the Final Ruling Check out:
