Key Stairway and Ladder Standards (1926.1050-1053)  Access Requirements: A stairway or ladder must be provided at all worker points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (14 cm) or more. Stairway Rules (1926.1052): Stairs must be installed between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Landings must be at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide at every 12 feet or less of vertical rise. Handrails and stair rail systems are required to prevent falls. Ladder Rules (1926.1053): Capacity: Rungs must support at least 250 pounds. Extension: When used for access to an upper... Show more

Key Stairway and Ladder Standards (1926.1050-1053) 
Access Requirements: A stairway or ladder must be provided at all worker points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (14 cm) or more.
Stairway Rules (1926.1052):
Stairs must be installed between 30° and 50° from the horizontal.
Landings must be at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide at every 12 feet or less of vertical rise.
Handrails and stair rail systems are required to prevent falls.

Ladder Rules (1926.1053):
Capacity: Rungs must support at least 250 pounds.
Extension: When used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface.
Placement: Use the "4-to-1 rule": For every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot away from the supporting structure.
Usage: Face the ladder when ascending or descending; do not use the top step of a stepladder.
Defective Equipment: Ladders with structural defects (e.g., broken rungs) must be immediately withdrawn from service and marked "Do Not Use". 

Definitions (1926.1050)
Double-cleat ladder: A ladder with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic.
Point of access: All areas used by employees for work-related passage.
Stairrail system: A vertical barrier erected along the unprotected sides and edges of a stairway.

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