AboutMike Brown CSP Retired Expertise I specialize in the professional management of occupational safety and health as well as workers` compensation to reduce losses and improve production and address related issues through a comprehensive approach by senior management using proven principals.I worked for over twenty (20) years in the management of occupational safety, health and workers` compensation and safety training (Retired from employment in 1996 due to a stroke, which prevented the extensive travel required).
Expert: Mike Brown CSP Retired Date: 2/20/2008 Subject: Portable Ladder safety device and OSHA standards
Question Can you please review the following two products and advise me whether they would meet the requirements of OSHA Standards 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii), 1926.1053(b)(8).
1. Safe T Climb ladder anti-fall device
2. Angle Rite
These two products can be viewed on the website www.safetclimb.com and if you need any further information please feel free to e-mail me.
Answer Subject: Portable Ladder safety device and OSHA standards
Question: Can you please review the following two products and advise me whether they would meet the requirements of OSHA Standards 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii), 1926.1053(b)(8).
1. Safe T Climb ladder anti-fall device
2. Angle Rite
these two products can be viewed on the website www.safetclimb.com and if you need any further information please feel free to e-mail me.
Answer: The first regulation is primarily concerned with the load capabilities of the ladder being used and the specific angle is a condition of the testing. I would not read it as a requirement for use.
---“1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.”
The second regulation appears to do with the placement and protection and/or securing of the bottom of the ladder so as to keep it from being displaced while in use.
---“1926.1053(b)(8) Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder.”
Thus, while very interesting, the ability of these two devices to assist in complying with the cited codes would be dependent on the proper use of the device for the specific situation and I cannot state that the devices in and of themselves would meet the codes. I have seen far to much abuse and misuse of safety devices over the years to endorse any device as “meeting the codes”.
Please note that my response is for informational purposes only, and cannot be used for any other purposes or endorsement.
Michael Brown, CSP Retired
