Ladders and stairways

0:00 Intro

Ladders and stairways, for the CHST exam. Every rule and number here is cited to its primary source, on screen.

0:10 Learning objectives

In this lesson, you'll learn to: state stairway angle, landing and rail rules, apply portable ladder extension and angle rules, set fixed ladder fall protection by climb length, and identify who inspects ladders and what to do with defects.

0:30 Stairways · 1926.1052(a)

Stairway geometry is a common exam target. Stairs install between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal. Temporary stairs need a landing of at least 30 by 22 inches at every 12 feet of rise or less. Riser and tread variation stays within a quarter inch.

0:53 Stairways · 1926.1052(c)

Rails depend on the stairway's size. Four or more risers, or more than 30 inches of rise, whichever is less, requires at least one handrail and a stairrail on each unprotected side. Stairrails installed after March 15, 1991 must be at least 36 inches high. Balusters or other members may leave openings no wider than 19 inches.

1:21 Stairways · 1926.1052(c)

Handrails and stairrails have different height limits. A handrail sits between 30 and 37 inches above the tread. If the stairrail top edge also serves as the handrail, it must be 36 to 37 inches. Both must withstand at least 200 pounds within 2 inches of the top edge, down or out.

1:50 Ladders · 1926.1053(b)

Temporary handrails need 3 inches of clearance. Two setup numbers matter most for portable ladders. Rails extend at least 3 feet above an upper landing. If length prevents that, secure the top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and provide a grasping device such as a grabrail.

2:17 Worked example · setup angle

A non-self-supporting ladder's foot sits a horizontal distance of about one quarter of its working length from the top support. Apply the quarter rule to a working length of 24 feet.

2:34 Fixed ladders · 1926.1053(a)(18)-(19)

One quarter of 24 feet puts the foot about 6 feet out horizontally from the top support. A wood job-made ladder with spliced rails uses one-eighth: 3 feet. Fixed ladder protection depends on climb length and height. Climb under 24 feet but top more than 24 feet above lower levels: cage, well, safety device, or self-retracting lifeline. Climb of 24 feet or more: a ladder safety device, or self-retracting lifelines with rest platforms every 150 feet at most.

3:10 Fixed ladders · cages and wells

Or a cage or well, sections no longer than 50 feet, offset, with landing platforms at most every 50 feet. Cage dimensions are heavily tested. The cage bottom is 7 to 8 feet above the access point, and the top is at least 42 inches above the top platform.

3:37 Ladders · 1926.1053(b)

The cage extends 27 to 30 inches from the rung centerline, with bands no more than 4 feet apart. Vertical bars are at most 9 and a half inches apart. A well needs at least 30 inches of clear width. A competent person inspects ladders for visible defects periodically and after any occurrence that could affect safe use.

4:00 Common exam traps

Defective portable ladders are immediately marked or tagged "Do Not Use" and withdrawn until repaired. Fixed ladders can also be blocked, such as with plywood spanning several rungs. Now, six traps that catch people on exam day. One: rails start at four risers or over 30 inches of rise, whichever is less. Two: handrails run 30 to 37 inches, but a combined stairrail runs 36 to 37. Three: if the 3-foot extension isn't possible, secure the top to a rigid support and provide a grasping device.

4:54 Recap quiz

Four: protection also applies if the climb is under 24 feet but the top is over 24 feet above lower levels. Five: if you choose a cage or well, sections are no longer than 50 feet, offset, with landings. Six: never step on a stepladder's top or top step, and face the ladder with a hand grasping it. Question 1. How many degrees from horizontal must stairs be installed? A: 20 to 40. B: 30 to 50. C: 35 to 55. D: 45 to 60. B. Stairs shall be installed between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal. Question 2. A manufactured non-self-supporting ladder, not a spliced wood job-made one, has a 24-foot working length. About what horizontal distance from the top support should the foot be? A: 3 feet. B: 4 feet. C: 6 feet. D: 8 feet. C. One quarter of 24 feet is 6 feet. Question 3. A fixed ladder's climb is 200 feet, no safety device. Which complies? A: cage, one 200-foot section. B: cage, offset 60-foot sections. C: self-retracting lifelines, no rest platforms. D: self-retracting lifelines with rest platforms every 150 feet or less. D. Self-retracting lifelines are paired with rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet. Cage sections cap at 50 feet. Want to see where you stand on every CHST domain? com.

25 questions, free, no card. You get a readiness score for each CHST domain.