Roof Access Ladder Legislation in Canada
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [SECTION 19 (1)]
- Be vertical;
- Have rest platforms at not more than 9 metre (30 ft.) intervals;
- Be offset at each rest platform;
- Where the ladder extends over 5 metres (16 ft.) above grade, floor or landing, have a safety cage commencing not more than 2.2 metres (7 ft.) above grade and continuing at least 90 centimetres (36 inches) above the top landing with openings to permit access by a worker to rest platforms or to the top landing;
- Have side rails that extend 90 centimetres (36 inches) above the landing; and
- Have rungs which are at least 15 centimetres (6 inches) from the wall and spaced at regular intervals.
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [SECTION 19 (2)]
Section 18 (2) of the regulation also states that: Subsection (1) does not apply to an access ladder on a tower, water tank, chimney or similar structure which has a safety device which will provide protection should a worker using the ladder fall.
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [SECTION 19 (General)]
Fixed access ladders must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained so as not to endanger a worker, and must be capable of withstanding all loads to which they may be subjected.a. Structural design, including attachment methods, should be performed by a Professional Engineer.
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [Section 19 (Rungs)]
1) The top of the uppermost rung of a ladder must be level with the top of the access/egress level or landing platform served by the ladder. Where there is a parapet, the access/egress level would be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet. However, if the parapet is continuous, the access/egress level would be the top of the parapet.
2) Rungs should have a non-slip surface.
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [Section 19 (Safety Cages)]
With an elevated access, a cage must be provided where the top of the ladder is greater than 5 metres (16 ft.) above ground level, roof or floor and where there is a danger of a worker falling from the ladder to the ground level, roof or floor, even if the length of the climb is less than 5 metres (16 ft.).
Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Section 19 [attachment and anchoring)]
Structural soundness of the wall, member or piece of equipment to which the ladder is to be attached must be confirmed by a competent person, prior to installation of the ladder.
Standard for Ladders, Fixed - Safety Requirements [ANSI A14.3 (inspection)]
This standard is referenced in both Provincial and Federal regulations.
1) Fixed access ladder installations must be periodically inspected by a competent person for rust, corrosion and structural integrity, and must be maintained in a good condition, not likely to endanger any worker. These inspections should be conducted at least once per year.
2) Records of inspections and maintenance to fixed access ladder systems should be maintained.
Regulations for Industrial Establishments [Section 19 (References)]
Inspection Services
Fabrication Services
Fall Protection
