The following general requirements apply to all ladders, including job-made ladders:
* A double-cleated ladder or two or more ladders must be provided when ladders are the only way to enter or exit a work area having 25 or more employees, or when a ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic.
*Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps must be parallel, level and uniformely spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
*Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable fixed ladders (except as provided below) must not be spaced less than 10 inches apart (25cm) apart, nor more than 14 inches (36cm) apart, along the ladder's side rail.
*Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools must not be less than 8 inches (20cm) apart, nor more than 12 inches (31cm) apart, between center lines of rungs, cleats, and steps.
*Rungs, cleats, and steps at the base section of the extension trestle must not be less than 8 inches (20cm) nor more than 18 inches (46cm) apart, between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. The rung spacing on the extension section must not be less than 6 inches (15cm) nor more than 12 inches (31cm).
*Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to create longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use.
*A metal spreader or locking device must be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used.
*When splicing side rails, the resulting side rail must be equivalent in strength to a one-piece side rail made of the same material.
*Two or more separate ladders used to reach an elevated work area must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders, except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders.
*Ladder components must be surfaced to prevent injury from punctures or lacerations, and prevent snagging of clothing.
*Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering, except for identification or warning labels which may be placed only on one face of a side rail.
Portable Ladders
*Non-self-supporting ladders and self-supporting portable ladders must support at least four times the maximum intended load; extra heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic must sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a self-supporting ladder to sustain loads must be determined by applying the load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction. The ability of non-self-supporting ladders to sustain loads must be determined by applying the load in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at a horizontal angle of 75.5 degrees.
*The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders must be 11.5 inches (29cm).
*The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or treated to minimize slipping.
'Just A Leg Safety Instructions:
*Do not use anything other than hitch pin provided to lock ladder leg into place. (If lost, a hitch pin of equal size is readily available at most hardware stores.
*Always check to make sure that the nuts on the ladder leg are securely mounted to the tripod's spreaders and that the leg and spreaders are locked into place before each use.
*Make sure all the legs of the ladder are in strong contact with a flat surface and there is ample space around each foot.
*Never use with any of the feet too close to an edge to avoid severe injury.
*Always use the compatible ladder leg for your tripod ladder.
*Do not exceed the weight limit for your ladder!