29 CFR 1910.23: Ladders
The official text is on the eCFR. Below: how the section is organized, the paragraphs our CSP questions are built on, and free questions to try.
Quoted from the eCFR, current as of 2026-10-14; last amended 2019-12-17.
How 29 CFR 1910.23 is organized
- (a) Application3 paragraphs
- (b) General requirements for all ladders20 paragraphs
- (c) Portable ladders17 paragraphs
- (d) Fixed ladders23 paragraphs
- (e)18 paragraphs
Paragraphs our practice questions cite most
Counted across the 2 live PassCited questions on this section: our bank, not the real exam.
“(vi) The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize the mobile ladder stands and platforms and prevent overturning must be used;”
“(viii) No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it.”
Free practice questions on 29 CFR 1910.23
Question 1
A maintenance crew is evaluating a mobile ladder stand with locking casters. The stand's tallest work surface is 12 feet above the floor and its shortest base dimension is 2.5 feet. No outriggers or counterweights are fitted. Which action does the standard require before employees use it at that height?
Show answer and source
Answer: B. Add outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means to prevent overturning, because the height exceeds four times the shortest base dimension
OSHA's general industry rule, 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(1)(vi), limits a mobile ladder stand's work-surface height to four times its shortest base dimension without added support: 4 × 2.5 ft = 10 ft. At 12 ft, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means are required. The rule sets no six-times limit and no 10-foot cap for wheeled stands. Locked casters stop rolling, not overturning.
Answer B rests on
29 CFR 1910.23(e)(1)(vi)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize the mobile ladder stands and platforms and prevent overturning must be used;”
Where it shows up in exam prep
Find out which regulations you'd miss
Other Part 1910 sections
- 29 CFR 1910.1020: Access to employee exposure and medical records
- 29 CFR 1910.1030: Bloodborne pathogens
- 29 CFR 1910.1053: Respirable crystalline silica
- 29 CFR 1910.106: Flammable liquids
- 29 CFR 1910.119: Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
- 29 CFR 1910.120: Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
A study aid, not legal advice or an official interpretation. Always check the current eCFR text.