In 2017 OSHA made a significant update to fixed ladder requirements in an effort to improve safety in the workplace. Prior to this change fixed ladders that extend more than 24' above a lower level shall be equipped with a personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage, or well. With the new requirements in place any ladder erected after November 19, 2018 cages will no longer be an accepted form of fall protection. Further, as of November 19th, 2036 cages will no longer be accepted as a form a fall protection. I interpret this to mean that any applicable ladder used in industry will need to be retrofitted with a fall arrest system by that date. Even since this rule has been put in place we still see caged ladders specified in contract drawings fairly often. How do fellow detailers deal with this?
We normally bring it to their (architect/engineer/gc) attention that cages are no longer acceptable as fall arrest and that it is up to them to make the correct decision. most of the time we do it on the approvals and show the cage, its easier to remove it if they decide to take it off.
For me the market and in particular BS4211 needs to move on a little and away from cages entirely. Sooner than the suggest date of 2036, why wait? It’s clearly an issue and a cause of further injury. 7.3m as Karl says is puzzling and probably should be the first talking point. The technology is there by way of SRL’s or fixed Vertical Systems, granted rescue plans etc need to be adopted in but that’s much more tolerable than an individual on the floor with multiple injuries, after the initial fall and hitting every component on the way down.
I do a lot of consulting for several miscellaneous metals fabricators. When I have to design ladders, I refuse to sign and seal the drawings and calculations unless there is an obnoxiously large note indicating that this is not code compliant and that my seal does not cover the cage. Yes I get blowback from architects and GC’s but I hold the line.
We do the same. Issue an RFI so that the Fabricator can start the fight with the G.C. As to who is responsible for the fall arrest device.
How is it written? If the cage is shown in the contract drawings or called out in the project specs. The way that I would as ddres this is to bid the providing details for a cage ladder with a fall arrest system. It is not the detalers responsibility to decide what system of fall arrest that is required. The architect is bears that burden. If awarded the project the cost of detailing a cage ladder is already included. And if you have been in the business your library of typical/ Standard drawings has a cage ladder template. Just add the required details for thr fall arrest and submit it to to the GC for approval. If the cage is noted as not required on the red lined, set reviewed by the contractor, architect and engineers. You are golden. But if is just r remove the Cage and I wouldn't give a change order credit. How much can you really charge for detailing a cage ladder?
The overall issue here is that the design team does not keep their drawings up to date with current AISC or OSHA codes. It is beyond frustrating for a detailer to have to waste one minute on these issues.
While cages are still an option, they are no longer considered a sufficient or the primary means of fall protection under updated regulations. More effective systems, such as personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety devices, are now required to enhance worker safety.
Yes and the rungs are quite heavy due to fall arrest loading. It is more critical if side ladder plate is connected through lag bolts. Our firm has designed variety of ladders, stair, railing and it's connection. www.jainconsultantjc.com
We typically address this to the A/E and GC concerning alternatives for the caged ladder with a fall arrest system. While some of our requests to use the fall arrest system have been approved, others have not; in those cases, we've been advised to detail the caged system instead.
Technical Director Facade Access for Meinhardt Facade Technology Dubai
1 周I find it odd that OSHA allows a climb of 24' (7.3m) without a fall protection system, the likelihood of severe injury or fatality from a fall at that height is quite significant. For comparison European Standards require implementation of a fall protection device when the fall height exceeds 3m (9" 10") that being a cage or a suitably designed fall arrest device. What height do you implement the cage say for a 30' ladder according to code?