Guardrail
Ladder Safety Systems
On fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level, a cage no longer counts as fall protection on new ladders, and existing caged ladders must be fitted with a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system by the compliance deadline. A rigid rail or cable system with brackets that fit the existing ladder is the standard retrofit.
What we quote
How to specify ladder safety systems
A ladder safety system is a rail or a tensioned cable running the length of the ladder; the climber's sleeve locks to it and arrests a fall. Kits include the rail or cable, brackets that clamp to the existing rungs or rails, top and bottom terminations, and the sleeve and harness. Where the ladder itself is beyond saving, a new ladder with the system built in is quoted instead.
The quote needs the ladder height, the number of climbers who need sleeves and harnesses, and photos of the top and bottom of the ladder so the terminations fit.
Before you ask for a quote, know:
- Ladder height and where it lands at the top
- Number of climbers needing sleeves and harnesses
- Photos of the top, bottom, and a rung close-up
- Whether rest platforms are wanted on long ladders
Questions buyers ask
- Do I have to remove the cage?
- Not necessarily. The rule requires a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest on the ladder; the cage may remain if it does not interfere with the system.