Using A Portable Ladder To Access Roof Osha

Roofing contractor and american ladder institute.

Using a portable ladder to access roof osha. Osha defines a portable ladder as one that can readily be moved or carried and usually consists of side rails joined at intervals by steps rungs or cleats 29 cfr 1910 21. For a parapet ladder the access level shall be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet. The side rails of through or side step fixed ladders shall extend 42 inches 1 1 m above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. Always inspect the ladder prior to using it.

Rungs and steps are slip resistant. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment. Residential roofers will most often use a combination of different ladders to install shingles or complete other roofing tasks. Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet 0 9 m above the upper landing surface see figure d 1 of this section.

If the ladder is damaged it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. If the parapet is continuous the access level shall be the top of. Rules for ladders used on or with scaffolds are addressed in 29 cfr 1926 451 subpart l. The standard does not apply to ladders specifically manufactured for scaffold access and egress but does apply to job made and manufactured portable ladders intended for general purpose use.