OSHA 1926.1053(b)(16): tagging and removing defective ladders
Under 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(16), a portable ladder with structural defects, such as broken or missing rungs or steps, split rails or corroded parts, must be marked as defective or tagged “Do Not Use” right away and withdrawn from service until repaired.
Official text
(b)(16) Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(17) Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is either: (i) Immediately tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, (ii) Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective; (iii) Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs).Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- A portable ladder with a structural defect is immediately marked as defective or tagged “Do Not Use” or similar, and taken out of service until repaired.
- A defective fixed ladder is withdrawn from service by tagging it, marking it, or blocking it, such as with plywood spanning several rungs.
- A competent person inspects ladders for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect safe use.
Where it shows up on site
- A stepladder with a cracked rail or bent spreader still in use
- An extension ladder with a missing rung leaning in the gang box area
- A ladder tagged “Do Not Use” that was pulled back into service
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- What exactly is damaged: rungs, steps, rails, feet, locks, spreaders or other components?
- Is the ladder portable or fixed, which changes how it is withdrawn from service?
- Has a competent person inspected the ladder, and when was it last checked?
- Was the ladder dropped, struck or otherwise involved in an occurrence that could affect safe use?
Typical corrective actions
- Tag the ladder “Do Not Use” or mark it as defective immediately and remove it from the work area.
- Repair it to its original design criteria or replace it before it returns to use.
- Block or tag a defective fixed ladder so it cannot be climbed.
- Have a competent person inspect the remaining ladders on site for similar damage.
Common questions
What should you do with a damaged ladder on a construction site?
Under 1926.1053(b)(16), a portable ladder with structural defects is immediately marked in a way that readily identifies it as defective, or tagged “Do Not Use” or similar, and withdrawn from service until repaired.
How often does OSHA require ladder inspections?
OSHA does not set a fixed interval. 1926.1053(b)(15) requires a competent person to inspect ladders for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
Turn the observation into a notice
Record what the photo shows, confirm the on-site checks above, and identify the responsible company and due date. Use the fillable construction safety notice template or follow aworked example from observation to verified fix. Cirqify can draft the notice from your circled photo for you to review.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.