OSHA 1926.1053(b)(5): setting up a ladder at the right angle
Under 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5), a non-self-supporting ladder must be set so the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot is about one-quarter of the working length. Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails are set at one-eighth.
Official text
(b)(5)(i) Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). (ii) Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder. (iii) Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(6) Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Extension and other non-self-supporting ladders are set with the foot out about one-quarter of the working length, measured along the ladder from the foot to the top support.
- Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails are set with the foot out one-eighth of the working length.
- Fixed ladders are used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, measured to the back side of the ladder.
- The ladder stands on a stable, level surface unless it is secured, and both rails bear equally at the top unless it has a single support attachment.
Where it shows up on site
- An extension ladder set nearly vertical against a wall to fit a tight space
- A ladder kicked out too far at the base so the feet can slide
- One rail resting on a beam flange and the other hanging free
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:
- Is the ladder self-supporting (a stepladder) or non-self-supporting (extension or straight ladder)?
- What is the working length, and how far is the foot from the top support measured horizontally?
- Is it a wood job-made ladder with spliced side rails, which uses the one-eighth setting?
- Is the base on a stable, level surface, or is the ladder secured against displacement?
Typical corrective actions
- Reset the ladder so the foot is about one-quarter of the working length out from the top support.
- Secure the top or foot, or have it held, where the surface is not stable and level.
- Reposition the top so both rails bear equally, or use a single support attachment.
- Remind the crew how to check the setup before climbing.
Common questions
What angle does OSHA require for an extension ladder?
OSHA states it as a ratio, not degrees. Under 1926.1053(b)(5)(i), the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot is approximately one-quarter of the working length, which is the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support.
Does the ladder angle rule apply to stepladders?
No. Paragraph (b)(5)(i) covers non-self-supporting ladders, the kind that lean against a support. Stepladders are self-supporting and have their own rules, such as not standing on the top or top step under 1926.1053(b)(13).
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.