OSHA rules
OSHA may drop the 2036 fixed-ladder deadline
In April 2026 OSHA proposed removing the November 18, 2036 deadline for equipping every fixed ladder over 24 feet with a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system, and asked whether cages and wells should stay allowed. A hearing was held August 24, 2026.
On your exam?
Not yet: the exam still tests the prior rule
Exams test 1910.28 as written: fixed ladders over 24 feet need fall protection, new ones since 2018 can't rely on cages, and every ladder must comply by November 18, 2036.
Judged against ASP11 and CSP11, the outlines in effect on October 16, 2026.
- Status
- Proposed. Hearing held; final briefs were due October 8, 2026
- From
- OSHA
- Citation
- 91 FR 17165; RIN 1218-AD73
- Last checked
- October 16, 2026
Key dates
- November 18, 2016Walking-working surfaces final rule published (81 FR 82494)
- November 19, 2018New fixed ladders over 24 feet need a fall arrest or ladder safety system
- April 6, 2026Proposed rule published
- June 5, 2026Comment period closes
- August 24, 2026Informal public hearing
- September 23, 2026Post-hearing comments due
- October 8, 2026Final written briefs due
- November 18, 2036Current deadline for all fixed ladders over 24 feet
The rule today
29 CFR 1910.28(b)(9)(i) covers fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level:
- Ladders installed before November 19, 2018 need a personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage or well.
- Ladders installed on or after November 19, 2018 need a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system.
- When a ladder section, cage or well is replaced, that section gets a fall arrest or ladder safety system.
- On and after November 18, 2036, all such ladders need a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system.
What OSHA proposed
Remove the 2036 final deadline so existing ladders can be upgraded at the end of their service life. OSHA also asked for comment on going further: repealing or revising the fall arrest requirement and letting employers keep using cages and wells.
Practice what's tested now
- ASP: Walking-Working Surfaces practice questions
- ASP: Ladders practice questions
- CSP: Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection practice questions
- 29 CFR 1910.28: how it's tested 13 practice questions cite this section
- 29 CFR 1910.23: how it's tested 2 practice questions cite this section
Sources
- Federal Register: Walking-Working Surfaces, proposed rule (Apr 6, 2026)
- OSHA: deregulatory rulemaking and hearing schedule
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28
- Federal Register: Walking-Working Surfaces final rule (Nov 18, 2016)
Published October 16, 2026. Last checked against these sources October 16, 2026. Something out of date? Email hello@passcited.com.