(1) Scope. This section applies to all fixed ladders except:
(a) Ladders forming an integral part of railway cars, highway
carriers, cargo containers, or other transportation carrier
equipment;
(b) Climbing devices such as step bolts or structural members
of tanks and towers;
(c) Ladders built into or vertically attached to tubular scaffold
framing; and
(d) Ladders used only for fire fighting or emergency purposes
are exempt from the provisions of subsection (5) of this section.
All other requirements of this section apply.
(2) Definitions.
(a) “Cage” (basket guard) means a barrier
enclosing or nearly enclosing a ladder's climbing space and
fastened to one or both of the ladder's side rails or to another
structure.
(b) “Fixed ladder” means a ladder, including
individual rung ladders, permanently attached to a structure,
building, or piece of equipment.
(c) “Ladder safety device” means a support
system limiting an employee's drop or fall from the ladder,
and which may incorporate friction brakes, lifelines and lanyards,
or sliding attachments.
(d) “Well” means a permanent complete enclosure
around a fixed ladder, which is attached to the walls of the
well.
(3) Defects.
(a) Ladders with broken, split, or missing rungs, steps or
rails, broken welds or connections, corrosion or wastage, or
other defect which may affect safe use shall be removed from
service.
(b) Ladder repairs shall provide strength at least equivalent
to that of the original ladder.
(4) Ladder specifications.
(a) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall be
capable of withstanding without damage a minimum concentrated
load, applied uniformly over a three and one-half inch (8.9
cm) width at the rung center, of two hundred pounds (890 N).
(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall be capable
of withstanding two hundred fifty pounds (1112 N) applied
as described in (a)(i) of this subsection. If used by more
than one employee simultaneously, the ladder as a unit shall
be capable of simultaneous additional loading in two hundred
fifty pound (1112 N) increments for each additional employee,
applied to a corresponding number of rungs. The unit shall
have a safety factor of four based on ultimate strength, in
the designed service.
(b) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall have
rungs evenly spaced from nine to sixteen and one-half inches
(22.9 to 41.9 cm) apart, center to center.
(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall have
rungs evenly spaced twelve inches apart, plus or minus two
inches (30.5 cm, plus or minus 5.08 cm), center to center.
(c) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall have
a width between side rails of at least ten inches (25.4 cm).
(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall have
a width between side rails of at least twelve inches (30.48
cm).
(d) The minimum distance between the rung center line and the
nearest permanent object behind the rung shall be four inches
(10.16 cm), except that in ladders installed after October 3,
1983, the minimum distance shall be seven inches (17.78 cm)
unless physical limitations make a lesser distance, not less
than four and one-half inches (11.43 cm), necessary.
(e) When a ladder passes through an opening or past overhead
obstructions, a minimum twenty-four inch (.61 m) clearance shall
exist between the climbing side and any obstruction. Where this
distance is less than thirty inches (0.76 m), a deflection device
shall be installed for guidance through the opening.
(f) The side rails of ladders shall extend at least thirty-six
inches (0.91 m) above the top landing surface, unless grab bars
or equivalent holds are provided.
(g) Ladders whose pitch exceeds ninety degrees to the horizontal
(slanting backward on the climbing side) shall not be used.
(5) Protection against falls.
(a) Fixed ladders more than twenty feet (6.1 m) in height shall
be provided with a cage, well, or ladder safety device.
(b) When a well or cage is used, ladders with length of climb
exceeding thirty feet (9.14 m) shall comply with the following
provisions:
(i) The ladder shall consist of multiple sections not exceeding
thirty feet (9.14 m) each;
(ii) Each section shall be horizontally offset from adjacent
sections, except as specified in (b)(iv) of this subsection;
and
(iii) A landing platform capable of supporting a load of
one hundred pounds per square foot (4.79 kPa) and fitted with
guardrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3) shall be provided
at least every thirty feet (9.14 m), except as specified in
(b)(iv) of this subsection;
(iv) For ladders installed after October 3, 1983, offset
sections and landing platforms are not required if hinged
platforms capable of supporting one hundred pounds per square
foot (4.79 kPa), and which are kept closed except when opened
for passage, are within the cage or well at intervals not
exceeding thirty feet (9.14 m).
(c) Ladders equipped with ladder safety devices shall have
rest platforms:
(i) Capable of supporting a load of one hundred pounds per
square foot (4.79 kPa);
(ii) Located at intervals of one hundred fifty feet (45.7
m) or less; and
(iii) Protected by guardrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3)
on three sides.
(d) Where used, ladder safety devices shall:
(i) Be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, which shall be available for inspection upon
request;
(ii) Be repaired only with replacement parts having performance
capability at least equal to that of the original parts;
(iii) Have a connection length between carrier centerlines
and safety belts of 10 ± 2 inches (25.4 ± 5.08 cm); and
(iv) Be installed in a manner that does not reduce the ladder's
structural capacity.
(e) Ladder cages or wells shall:
(i) Be of rigid construction that allows unobstructed use
but prevents an employee from falling through or dislodging
the cage or well by falling against it;
(ii) Have smooth inner surfaces;
(iii) Extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m) above landings;
and
(iv) Extend to within eight feet (2.44 m) above the ground
or base, except that a maximum of twenty feet (6.1 m) is permitted
where the cage or well would extend into traffic lanes.
(f) Ladders installed after January 1, 1985, on radio, microwave
communications, electrical power and similar towers, poles and
structures, including stacks and chimneys, shall meet the requirements
of this subsection.
(6) Individual rung ladders. Ladders consisting of individual
rungs that are attached to walls, conical manhole sections or
river cells shall:
(a) Be capable of supporting a load of three hundred fifty
pounds (1557 N) without deformation;
(b) Form a continuous ladder, uniformly spaced vertically from
twelve inches to sixteen inches (30.5 to 40.6 cm) apart, with
a minimum width of ten inches (25.4 cm), and projecting at least
four and one-half inches (11.43 cm) from the wall;
(c) Be so constructed that an employee's foot cannot slide
off the ends; and
(1) Scope and applicability. This section applies to all portable
ladders, including job-made ladders for temporary use, unless
otherwise specified.
(2) Standards for existing manufactured portable ladders.
(a) Rungs of manufactured portable ladders obtained before
October 3, 1983, shall be capable of supporting a two hundred
pound (890 N) load without deformation.
(b) Rungs shall be evenly spaced from nine to sixteen and one-half
inches (22.9 to 41.9 cm), center to center.
(c) Rungs shall be continuous members between rails. Each rung
of a double-rung ladder (two side rails and a center rail) shall
extend the full width of the ladder.
(d) Width between side rails at the base of the ladder shall
be at least twelve inches (30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05
m) or less in overall length, and shall increase at least one-fourth
inch (0.64 cm) for each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder
length.
(3) Standards for manufactured portable ladders. Manufactured
portable ladders obtained after October 3, 1983, shall bear identification
indicating that they meet the appropriate ladder construction
requirements of the following standards:
ANSI A14.1-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Wood Ladders
ANSI A14.2-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders
ANSI A14.5-1992 Safety Requirements for Portable Reinforced
Plastic Ladders
(4) Standards for job-made portable ladders. Job-made ladders
shall:
(a) Have a minimum and uniform distance between rungs of twelve
inches (30.48 cm), center to center;
(b) Be capable of supporting a two hundred fifty pound (1112
N) load without deformation; and
(c) Have a minimum width between side rails of twelve inches
(30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05 m) in height. Width between
rails shall increase at least one-fourth inch (0.64 cm) for
each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder length.
(5) Maintenance and inspection.
(a) The employer shall maintain portable ladders in safe condition.
Ladders with the following defects shall not be used and either
shall be tagged as unusable if kept on the premises or shall
be removed from the worksite:
(i) Broken, split or missing rungs, cleats, or steps;
(ii) Broken or split side rails;
(iii) Missing or loose bolts, rivets, or fastenings;
(iv) Defective ropes; or
(v) Any other structural defect.
(b) Ladders shall be inspected for defects prior to each day's
use, and after any occurrence, such as a fall, which could damage
the ladder.
(6) Ladder usage.
(a) Ladders made by fastening rungs or devices across a single
rail are prohibited.
(b) Ladders shall not be used:
(i) As guys, braces, or skids; or
(ii) As platforms, runways, or scaffolds.
(c) Metal and wire-reinforced ladders with wooden side rails
shall not be used when employees on the ladder might come into
contact with energized electrical conductors.
(d) Individual sections from different multisectional ladders
or two or more single straight ladders shall not be tied or
fastened together to achieve additional length.
(e) Except for combination ladders, self-supporting ladders
shall not be used as single straight ladders.
(f) Unless intended for cantilever operation, nonself-supporting
ladders shall not be used to climb above the top support point.
(g) Ladders shall extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m)
above the upper support level if employees are to leave or mount
the ladder at that level, except that where such extension is
impractical other equivalent means such as grab bars may be
used to provide a hand grip.
(h) Ladders shall be securely positioned on a level and firm
base.
(i) Ladders shall be fitted with slip-resistant bases and secured
at top or bottom to prevent the ladder from slipping.
(j) Ladders shall be placed so that employees climbing are
not exposed to injury from projecting objects or doors that
open toward the ladder.
(1) Definition. “Fixed stairway” means interior
or exterior stairs serving machinery, tanks, or equipment, and
stairs to or from floors, platforms, or pits. The term does not
apply to stairs intended only for fire exit purposes, to articulated
stairs (the angle of which changes with the rise and fall of the
base support) or to stairs forming an integral part of machinery.
(2) New installations.
(a) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983, shall be
positioned within the range of thirty degrees to fifty degrees
to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width
throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of one
hundred pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated
load of three hundred pounds (1334 N) at the center of any treadspan.
Riser height shall be from six to seven and one-half inches
(15.24 to 19.05 cm), stair width a minimum of twenty-two inches
(55.88 cm) between vertical barriers, and tread depth a minimum
of 12 ± 2 inches (30.48 ± 5.08 cm), and tread nosing shall be
straight leading edges.
(b) Stair landings shall be at least twenty inches (50.8 cm)
in depth. Where doors or gates open on a stairway, a landing
platform shall be provided. Door swing shall not reduce the
effective standing area on the landing to less than eighteen
inches (45.72 cm) in depth.
(c) Fixed stairs having four or more risers shall have stair
railings or handrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3).
(d) The railing height from tread surface at the riser face
shall be 33 plus or minus 3 inches (83.82 cm plus or minus 7.62
cm).
(e) Restricted areas. When physical features require stairs
steeper than those provided for by (a) of this subsection, stairs
at angles of fifty degrees to seventy-five degrees from the
horizontal may be used if they:
(i) Are capable of supporting a single concentrated load
of two hundred pounds (890 N) at the tread centers;
(ii) Have open treads at least four inches (10.16 cm) in
depth and eighteen inches (45.72 cm) in width with a uniformly
spaced vertical rise between treads of six to nine and one-half
inches (15.24 to 24.13 cm); and
(iii) Have handrails that meet the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3)
on both sides that are not less than thirty inches (76.2 cm)
in height from the tread surface at the riser face.
(f) Maintenance. Fixed stairways shall be maintained in safe
condition and shall not be obstructed.
(1) Definition. “Spiral stairway” means one
with closed circular form, uniform sector-shaped treads and a
supporting column.
(2) Requirements. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions
of Figure F-1;
Figure F-1
Spiral Stairway-Minimum Dimensions
A (Half-Thread
Width)
B
Normal use
by employees Limited Access
11 inches
(27.9 cm) 9 inches (22.9 cm)
6 inches
(15.2 cm) 5 inches (12.7 cm)
(b) Stairway risers shall be uniform and shall range from six
and one-half to ten and one-half inches (16.5 to 26.67 cm) in
height;
(c) Minimum loading capability shall be one hundred pounds
per square foot (445 N), and minimum tread center concentrated
loading shall be three hundred pounds (1334 N);
(d) Railing shall conform to the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3).
If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread.
Handrails shall be a minimum of one and one-fourth inches (3.18
cm) in outside diameter; and
(e) Vertical clearance shall be at least six feet, six inches
(1.98 m) above the top step.
(3) Maintenance. Spiral stairways shall be maintained in safe
condition.
(2) If an employee exit is not visible from employees' work stations,
directional signs indicating routes to the exit shall be posted.
(3) Exits shall be readily accessible and sufficient in number
to provide employees with a convenient means of escape in emergencies.
A clear passage to the exit shall be maintained.
(4) The minimum width of any employee exit shall be twenty-eight
inches (71.12 cm).
(5) All fire exits and aisleways of all docks and warehouses
shall be clearly marked and kept clear. All main aisleways shall
be wide enough to permit passage of a fire truck.
(6) There shall be a twenty-eight inch clearance maintained where
employees use a passageway to an exit.
(7) Every building, structure or crane, new or old, shall be
provided with an emergency means of egress to permit the prompt
escape of occupants in case of fire or other emergency, at all
locations with a vertical height of thirty feet or more. Cranes,
buildings, or structures erected prior to January 1, 1985, shall
comply with the provisions of this standard by July 1, 1986.
Lighting. All areas shall be lighted to meet the requirements
of this code.
(1) Active work areas shall be lighted in such a manner that
the general area being worked will be illuminated at a minimum
intensity of approximately five foot candles measured thirty inches
above the dock floor. Supplemental lighting shall be utilized
where more than the minimum intensity is necessary for safe operation.
(a) The lighting intensity shall be measured at the task/working
surface in the plane in which the task/working surface is present.
(b) Lights shall, as far as possible, be placed so that they
will not shine in the eyes of employees.
(2) A minimum of three foot candles illumination measured in
the manner described above shall be maintained at all points along
the bull rail.
(3) The quality of light shall be such that it is reasonably
free from glare, and has correct direction, diffusion, and distribution.
(4) Lighting shall not be obstructed by any placement of cargo,
structures or other objects which might create a shadow in the
work area. Portable lighting shall be provided in those areas
that do not meet the minimum requirements of this subsection.
(5) Portable illumination.
(a) All walking and working areas shall be illuminated.
(b) Portable lights shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Portable lights shall be equipped with reflectors and
guards to prevent flammable and other material from coming
in contact with the bulb, except that guards are not required
where the construction of the reflector is such that the bulb
is recessed.
(ii) Portable lights shall be equipped with heavy duty electric
cords. They may be suspended by such cords only when the means
of attachment of the cord to the light is such as to prevent
the light from being suspended by the electrical connections.
(iii) All connections and insulation shall be maintained.
(iv) Lighting wires and fixtures for portable lights shall
be so arranged as to be free from contact with drafts, running
gear, or other moving equipment.
(1) General. The employer shall provide safe means of passage
between different surface levels and across openings.
(2) Dockboards (car and bridge plates).
(a) Dockboards shall be strong enough to support the loads
imposed on them.
(b) Portable dockboards shall be anchored in position or be
equipped with devices to prevent their movement.
(c) Hand holds or other effective means shall be provided on
portable dockboards to permit safe handling.
(d) Positive means shall be used to prevent railcars or highway
vehicles from being moved while dockboards or bridge plates
are in position.
(3) Ramps.
(a) Ramps shall be strong enough to support the loads imposed
on them, provided with sideboards, properly secured and well
maintained.
(b) Ramps shall be equipped with guardrails meeting the requirements
of WAC 296-56-60123(3) if the slope is more than twenty degrees
to the horizontal or if employees could fall more than four
feet (1.22 m).
(c) Ramps shall have slip-resistant surfaces.
(d) When necessary to prevent displacement by vehicle wheels,
steel plates or similar devices, used to temporarily bridge
or cover uneven surfaces or tracks, shall be anchored.
(1) This section applies to temporary installations or temporary
operations near a river bank.
(2) Where working surfaces at river banks slope so steeply that
an employee could slip or fall into the water, the employer shall
ensure that the outer perimeter of the working surface is protected
by posting or other portable protection such as roping off, and
that employees wear a personal flotation device meeting the requirements
of WAC 296-56-60115(2).
(a) The employer shall provide accessible washing and toilet
facilities sufficient for the sanitary requirements of employees.
The facilities shall have:
(i) Running water, including hot and cold or tepid water
(when cargo handling is conducted at locations without permanent
facilities, containers of potable water may be provided in
lieu of running water);
(ii) Soap;
(iii) Individual hand towels, clean individual sections of
continuous toweling or warm air blowers; and
(iv) Fixed or portable toilets in separate compartments with
latch-equipped doors.
(b) Separate toilet facilities shall be provided for male and
female employees except when toilet rooms are occupied by only
one person at a time. A means of locking shall be provided.
(c) Washing and toilet facilities shall be regularly cleaned
and maintained in good order.
(2) Drinking water.
(a) Potable drinking water shall be accessible to employees
at all times.
(b) Potable drinking water containers shall be clean, containing
only water and ice, and shall be fitted with covers.
(c) Common drinking cups are prohibited.
(3) Prohibited eating areas. Consumption of food or beverages
in areas where hazardous materials are being stored or handled
shall be prohibited.
(4) Garbage and overboard discharges. Work shall not be conducted
in the immediate vicinity of uncovered garbage or in the area
of overboard discharges from the vessel's sanitary lines unless
employees are protected from the garbage or discharge by a baffle
or splash boards.
(1) General. Signs required by this chapter shall be clearly
worded and legible. They shall contain a key word or legend indicating
the reason for the sign.
(a) Key words are such words as danger, warning, caution.
(b) Legends are more specific explanations such as high voltage,
close clearance, pedestrian crossing.
(2) Specific. Every marine terminal shall have conspicuously
posted signs as follows:
(a) Locations of first-aid facilities;
(b) Locations of telephones;
(c) Telephone numbers of the closest ambulance service, hospital
or other source of medical attention, police, fire department,
and emergency squad (if any); and
(d) Locations of fire fighting and emergency equipment and
fire exits.
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