Hinged rest platforms cannot be used for fixed ladders.

Standard Number: 1910.27(d)(2)

February 25, 1983

Mr. G. Edward Jones
Operations Manager
Messick and Gray Construction, Inc.
Bridgeville, Delware 19933

Dear Mr. Jones:

This is in response to your communication of February 8, 1983, addressed to Mr. Donald Shay, regarding an illustration of a fixed ladder with cage using a hinged rest platform. This also confirms a telephone conversation with a member of my staff on February 23, 1983.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard on fixed ladders, 29 CFR 1910.27, does not allow the use of hinged rest platforms, as illustrated in your design drawing, in lieu of landing platforms. Fixed ladders used exclusively for emergency escape are exempted from the 29 CFR 1910.27 platform requirements.

The three (or more) national manufacturing firms currently building and selling a similar type of ladder cage rest platform under a disclaimer; "complies with OSHA requirements" have apparently been misinformed in this matter. If you will mail to me the names and addresses of the three manufacturers, we will provide them with our position for the landing platform requirements.

Thank you for your concern and interest in occupational safety and health.

Sincerely,

Bruce Hillenbrand
Acting Director, Federal Compliance
and State Programs