Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-3-3-.02

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 480-3-3-.02 - Ladders And Ladderways

(1)Construction of Ladders - Except in the case of swinging or extension ladders used for shaft sinking, all ladders and ladderways shall be built of clear lumber free of knots or other imperfections as prescribed below:

(a) The stringers of ladders shall be built of not less than two by four (2 x 4) inch sound lumber or its equivalent.

(b) The distance between the centers of the rungs of a ladder shall not exceed twelve (12) inches and shall not vary more than one (1) inch in any one ladderway. The length of the ladder rungs (width of ladder) shall not be less than ten (10) inches between stringers.

(c) The back side of the rungs of a ladder shall in no case be less than six and one-half (6 1/2) inches from any obstruction.

(2) Wooden ladder rungs shall be set in one of the following ways:

(a) Flush with the outer surface of the stringers.

(b) Nailed on top of the stringer. If this is done, there shall be filler pieces between the ends of the rungs. These filler pieces shall be the same width as the stringer and the thickness of the rungs.

(c) Stringers bored through and round rungs inserted and wedged.

(3)Installation of Ladders - Platforms Required Every main ladderway, such as those used in shafts, winzes, raises and those used in second exits, having an inclination of more than 70^ from the horizontal, and where the distance between the top and bottom of the ladderway is more than thirty (30) feet, shall have substantial platforms at intervals of not more than thirty (30) feet. If possible, the sections of the ladders shall be staggered at each platform so that no section shall be directly in line with the section above or below it.

(a) The opening in any such platform shall be approximately twenty-four by twenty-four (24 x 24) inches or larger, but no opening shall be of such size or dimension as to retard the passing through thereof of rescue men equipped with oxygen breathing apparatus.

(b) Ladders shall project at least three and one-half (3 1/2) feet above every platform in the ladderway and at least three and one-half (3 1/2) feet above the collar of a shaft, winze or raise, unless convenient and secure hand holds are fixed at such places.

(c) In ladderways, other than main ladderways, the ladders may be fixed vertically, provided platforms are installed at least every thirty (30) feet.

(d) All ladders shall be securely fastened.

(e) Under no circumstances shall any ladder inclining backward from the vertical be installed or used.

(f) Ladderways shall be maintained in safe condition, kept clear of loose rock and obstructions and shall be inspected regularly to ascertain that such condition exists.

(g) Ladders of metal or a combination of metal and wood, of equivalent strength, installed in a safe manner shall be satisfactory.

Author: Marcus Davis, Workers' Compensation Examiner.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-3-3-.02

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 25-2-13(2).