Ladder and Roof Access Fall Safety Solutions

Let Your Workplace Safety Reach New Heights by Bringing Your Ladder Systems Up OSHA Standards

Ladder-based accidents can take place when workers lose their footing while carrying equipment up ladders, especially in scenarios with outdated ladder systems that don't adhere to modern OSHA standards. The majority of these accidents can be avoided with the installation of vertical lifelines and/or self-closing gates.

One of the challenges with ladder fall arrest systems is determining if the ladder can support the loads of a personal fall arrest system. Many ladders were not designed with the intention of being able to take the loads and forces that occur during a fall. This is one of the paramount reasons having an experienced Fall Protection Engineer inspect your ladder system prior to installation is so important.

In addition to Vertical Lifelines, Self-Closing Gates installed at the top of the ladder foster a safe work environment by automatically closing, securing the area from a fall. These gates prevent workers from falling down without requiring them to manually close the access point making them ideal in situations where a worker is carrying tools or equipment.

In-House Turnkey Ladder System Experts

FLS Fall Protection Specialists are ready to work with you to develop a solution for your facility's ladders. Contact a Fall Protection Specialist now.

Why Turn to FLS For Ladder Fall Protection?

HAZARD ASSESSMENT & STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Flexible Lifeline Systems permanent access fall protection solutions start with evaluating the specific operations performed including the evaluation of supporting structures when required.

ENGINEERING & DESIGN

Our team of registered structural engineers, AutoCAD designers and field engineers model permanent access platform systems in relation to the railcar or truck position in order to provide maximum access, compliance and safety.

FABRICATION & PRODUCTION

To maintain the highest level of quality, every system part and manufactured component is thoroughly inspected, processed and supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 program.

CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION

Our construction and field technicians have decades of experience enabling us to perform safely and efficiently and complete even the most complicated installation in days versus weeks.

Speak With a Fall Protection Specialist

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Ladder Fall Protection Solutions

Vertical Lifeline Systems

Self Closing Gates

OSHA Ladder Requirements

Make Sure You’re OSHA Compliant: OSHA issued a 2017 update to the 1910 general industry standard for fall protection. A major change was aimed at the unsafe use of cages on ladders for fall protection. All new fixed ladders that extend over 24’ above a lower level must be equipped with a personal fall arrest system. Over time all existing ladder over 24’ must also be retrofitted with a vertical fall arrest system.

The four main components of OSHA’s ladder standard cover:

General Requirements
Portable Ladders
Fixed Ladders
Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms

Under the General Requirements (29 CFR 1910.23(b)), OSHA addresses proper ladder climbing technique. It requires that when ascending or descending a ladder, employees must always maintain three points of contact by:

Facing the ladder
Using at least one hand to firmly grasp the ladder
Not carrying any object or load that could cause them to lose balance and fall

Ladder Safety FAQs

What are safe methods to access roofs?

Fixed ladder, temporary ladders, stairs and manlifts are all potentially safe methods of accessing a roof. A job hazard analysis should be performed to ensure the access can be done in a safe manner. If near the edge, protecting access points with additional guardrail around the access point to protect the worker once on the roof should also be considered. Depending on the height of a fixed ladder it may require additional fall protection. Ensure temporary ladders are used correctly and extend above the roof level and are not near a roof corner. When using a man lift to access a roof ensure it can extend to a safe place to access the roof before exiting.

Do you need fall protection on a ladder?

For permanent ladders as of 2017 OSHA updated standard requirements for fall protection on a ladder, to no longer allow cages as means of fall protection. All fixed ladders more 24ft in height require fall protection. Existing cages must be removed by 2036. Examples of fall protection for ladders include Vertical Lifelines and Ladder Davit Systems. If a cage remains on the ladder it must not interfere with the performance of the fall protection system.