A ladderway is a vertical passage equipped with ladders that allows workers to move between different levels in a facility. In mining, ladderways connect different levels of the mine through a series of ladders.
Regardless of the industry, these access points are regulated by OSHA standards to protect workers.
In industrial applications, ladderways, or platform openings are regulated by OSHA §1910.23. Specifically, §1910.23(a) covers floor openings, including those at platform edges, §1910.23(b) addresses wall openings, and §1910.23(c) pertains to open-sided floors and platforms, excluding access openings at the edges. The key requirement for guarding ladderway floor openings is outlined in §1910.23(a)(2).
Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.
This paragraph applies to ladders that extend to another working surface, even if the ladder attaches to the edge of the working surface or the platform, since the opening at the ladder access point is also a floor opening. It also applies to floor openings in runways and catwalks. All ladderway floor openings or platforms must be protected by a standard railing except at the entrance to the opening. Chains were previously considered OSHA-compliant for guarding openings, but as of January 17, 2017, they no longer meet OSHA standards. Now, openings must be protected by a swinging gate or offset to prevent direct access.
OSHA Ladder Requirement Cheatsheet
Paragraph §1910.23(c)(1) requires a standard railing on all open-sided floors or platforms 4 feet or more above floor or ground level, except at entrances to ramps, stairways, or fixed ladders. It describes where a standard railing is required and includes an exception for the entrance to fixed ladders. This paragraph does not, however, exempt the passage through the railing for platforms from being protected by a gate or offset as required in paragraph 1910.23(a)(2). The intent of the exemption in paragraph (c) was to allow other than a standard, fixed, guardrail at the entrance to a fixed ladder. Required protection for the access openings on runways and catwalks are also included in this paragraph.
Unguarded ladderway floor openings and unguarded ladderway entrances on all surfaces should be cited under section 1910.23(a)(2).
