34 Pa. Code § 21.34 - Fixed ladders
(a)
Side rails and rungs. Minimum dimensions of side rails and
rungs shall be in accordance with §§
21.32 and
21.33 (relating to side rails; and
steps). Fixed ladders in other than vertical position shall have side rails
increased in section to provide for possible increase in stress.
(b)
Securement. Fixed
ladders shall be firmly secured in position in accordance with other provisions
of this chapter.
(c)
Splices. Splices for fixed ladders shall be of the same depth
as the side rails. The length of splice plates for metal or wood side rails
shall be four times the depth of the side rail. They shall be made of metal not
less than 1/4 inch in thickness chamfered on the ends.
(d)
Bolts and rivets. Heads
of bolts and rivets shall be countersunk or of the button type. The heads shall
be on the outside of the rail. Bolts or rivets shall not be less than 1/2 inch
nor more than 5/8 inch in diameter. Bolt ends shall be chamfered and only the
chamfered end shall extend beyond the nut. Rivet ends shall be finished in
button shape like the heads. Washers shall be placed under the nuts and rivet
ends on wood side rails. On each side of the joint there shall be a minimum of
three bolts or rivets for metal side rails and a minimum of four bolts or
rivets for wood side rails. Bolts and rivets in both metal and wood side rails
shall be staggered in position.
(e)
Clearances. Distance from front of rungs to nearest permanent
object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches.
Distance from back of rungs to nearest permanent object shall be not less than
6 1/2 inches. There shall be a clear width of at least 15 inches from the
center line of the ladder on either side across the front of the ladder.
Ladders equipped with a cage, basket or the equivalent shall be
excepted.
(f)
Fastenings.
Fastenings shall be made of material equivalent in strength to the
rails and shall be of sufficient length to allow a minimum distance as required
by subsection (d) between buildings and rungs of the ladder. Fastenings shall
be made to the permanent structure either by building in or by through bolts,
rivets, or expansion bolts grouted, leaded, or the equivalent.
(g)
Distance. The maximum
distance between fastenings or braces shall not be in excess of 10 feet in
ladders over 15 feet in length unless other provisions giving equivalent
security are provided.
(h)
Pitch. The pitch of a fixed ladder shall not be such that the
position of a person is necessarily below the ladder when climbing, unless a
cage guard is provided.
(i)
Cages. Ladders over 30 feet in length shall be provided with
cages or wells of adequate dimensions except when the ladder is built in zigzag
sections, and provided with platforms between sections.
(j)
Bottom of cage. Cages
when used shall extend from the top of the ladder to a point 7 feet above the
base, with the bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or the portion of the cage
opposite the ladder shall be carried to the base.
(k)
Construction. Cages
shall be substantially built and securely fastened to the ladder. The inside
shall be clear of projections. Materials used shall be of a cross section not
less than that required for the side rails of a fixed ladder.
(l)
Cage size. Cages shall
not extend less than 24 inches nor more than 28 inches from the face of the
ladder. The cage should not be less than 24 inches wide.
(m)
Offset platforms. If
fixed ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 30 feet, it is
recommended that landing platforms be provided for each 30 feet and the ladder
sections be offset, each from the others. When the installation condition
requires offset sections of ladders, the sections shall be joined by a landing
platform. Fire ladders and ladders equipped with cages may be excepted from
this requirement.
(n)
Above
roof. The side rails of fixed ladders shall extend at least 3 1/2 feet
above the roof or landing platform, preferably being goosenecked, unless other
convenient and secure handholes are fixed at these places. It is recommended
that the rungs be omitted from the extension.
(o)
Ladder to roof. When a
man steps a distance greater than 18 inches from the ladder to the roof, tank
or the like, a landing platform is recommended.
(p)
Railings and toeboards.
All landing platforms shall be equipped with standard railings and toeboards so
arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. The platforms should not be less
than 24 inches wide.
(q)
Top rung. The top rung of any section of a fixed ladder shall
be at the level of the adjacent landing platform served by the
ladder.
(r)
Safety devices.
Approved ladder safety devices may be used on towers, water tanks,
and chimney ladders over 30 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection.
All ladder safety devices such as those that incorporate life belts, friction
brakes and sliding attachments shall meet the design requirements of the
ladders which they serve.
Notes
This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 21.39 (relating to fire ladders).
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