Chapter 296-56 - Part J - Ladders, Stairway Openings, Sanitation, Signs, etc. - Safety Standards: Longshore, Stevedore and Related Waterfront Operations

(a) Ladders forming an integral part of railway cars, highway carriers, cargo containers, or other transportation carrier equipment;

(b) Climbing devices such as step bolts or structural members of tanks and towers;

(c) Ladders built into or vertically attached to tubular scaffold framing; and

(d) Ladders used only for fire fighting or emergency purposes are exempt from the provisions of subsection (5) of this section. All other requirements of this section apply.

(2) Definitions.

(a) “Cage” (basket guard) means a barrier enclosing or nearly enclosing a ladder's climbing space and fastened to one or both of the ladder's side rails or to another structure.

(b) “Fixed ladder” means a ladder, including individual rung ladders, permanently attached to a structure, building, or piece of equipment.

(c) “Ladder safety device” means a support system limiting an employee's drop or fall from the ladder, and which may incorporate friction brakes, lifelines and lanyards, or sliding attachments.

(d) “Well” means a permanent complete enclosure around a fixed ladder, which is attached to the walls of the well.

(3) Defects.

(a) Ladders with broken, split, or missing rungs, steps or rails, broken welds or connections, corrosion or wastage, or other defect which may affect safe use shall be removed from service.

(b) Ladder repairs shall provide strength at least equivalent to that of the original ladder.

(4) Ladder specifications.

(a) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall be capable of withstanding without damage a minimum concentrated load, applied uniformly over a three and one-half inch (8.9 cm) width at the rung center, of two hundred pounds (890 N).

(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall be capable of withstanding two hundred fifty pounds (1112 N) applied as described in (a)(i) of this subsection. If used by more than one employee simultaneously, the ladder as a unit shall be capable of simultaneous additional loading in two hundred fifty pound (1112 N) increments for each additional employee, applied to a corresponding number of rungs. The unit shall have a safety factor of four based on ultimate strength, in the designed service.

(b) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall have rungs evenly spaced from nine to sixteen and one-half inches (22.9 to 41.9 cm) apart, center to center.

(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall have rungs evenly spaced twelve inches apart, plus or minus two inches (30.5 cm, plus or minus 5.08 cm), center to center.

(c) (i) Ladders installed before October 3, 1983, shall have a width between side rails of at least ten inches (25.4 cm).

(ii) Ladders installed after October 3, 1983, shall have a width between side rails of at least twelve inches (30.48 cm).

(d) The minimum distance between the rung center line and the nearest permanent object behind the rung shall be four inches (10.16 cm), except that in ladders installed after October 3, 1983, the minimum distance shall be seven inches (17.78 cm) unless physical limitations make a lesser distance, not less than four and one-half inches (11.43 cm), necessary.

(e) When a ladder passes through an opening or past overhead obstructions, a minimum twenty-four inch (.61 m) clearance shall exist between the climbing side and any obstruction. Where this distance is less than thirty inches (0.76 m), a deflection device shall be installed for guidance through the opening.

(f) The side rails of ladders shall extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m) above the top landing surface, unless grab bars or equivalent holds are provided.

(g) Ladders whose pitch exceeds ninety degrees to the horizontal (slanting backward on the climbing side) shall not be used.

(5) Protection against falls.

(a) Fixed ladders more than twenty feet (6.1 m) in height shall be provided with a cage, well, or ladder safety device.

(b) When a well or cage is used, ladders with length of climb exceeding thirty feet (9.14 m) shall comply with the following provisions:

(i) The ladder shall consist of multiple sections not exceeding thirty feet (9.14 m) each;

(ii) Each section shall be horizontally offset from adjacent sections, except as specified in (b)(iv) of this subsection; and

(iii) A landing platform capable of supporting a load of one hundred pounds per square foot (4.79 kPa) and fitted with guardrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3) shall be provided at least every thirty feet (9.14 m), except as specified in (b)(iv) of this subsection;

(iv) For ladders installed after October 3, 1983, offset sections and landing platforms are not required if hinged platforms capable of supporting one hundred pounds per square foot (4.79 kPa), and which are kept closed except when opened for passage, are within the cage or well at intervals not exceeding thirty feet (9.14 m).

(c) Ladders equipped with ladder safety devices shall have rest platforms:

(i) Capable of supporting a load of one hundred pounds per square foot (4.79 kPa);

(ii) Located at intervals of one hundred fifty feet (45.7 m) or less; and

(iii) Protected by guardrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3) on three sides.

(d) Where used, ladder safety devices shall:

(i) Be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, which shall be available for inspection upon request;

(ii) Be repaired only with replacement parts having performance capability at least equal to that of the original parts;

(iii) Have a connection length between carrier centerlines and safety belts of 10 ± 2 inches (25.4 ± 5.08 cm); and

(iv) Be installed in a manner that does not reduce the ladder's structural capacity.

(e) Ladder cages or wells shall:

(i) Be of rigid construction that allows unobstructed use but prevents an employee from falling through or dislodging the cage or well by falling against it;

(ii) Have smooth inner surfaces;

(iii) Extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m) above landings; and

(iv) Extend to within eight feet (2.44 m) above the ground or base, except that a maximum of twenty feet (6.1 m) is permitted where the cage or well would extend into traffic lanes.

(f) Ladders installed after January 1, 1985, on radio, microwave communications, electrical power and similar towers, poles and structures, including stacks and chimneys, shall meet the requirements of this subsection.

(6) Individual rung ladders. Ladders consisting of individual rungs that are attached to walls, conical manhole sections or river cells shall:

(a) Be capable of supporting a load of three hundred fifty pounds (1557 N) without deformation;

(b) Form a continuous ladder, uniformly spaced vertically from twelve inches to sixteen inches (30.5 to 40.6 cm) apart, with a minimum width of ten inches (25.4 cm), and projecting at least four and one-half inches (11.43 cm) from the wall;

(c) Be so constructed that an employee's foot cannot slide off the ends; and

(d) Be firmly attached and without sharp edges.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60209, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60209, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60209, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60209, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60209, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60211 Portable ladders.

(1) Scope and applicability. This section applies to all portable ladders, including job-made ladders for temporary use, unless otherwise specified.

(2) Standards for existing manufactured portable ladders.

(a) Rungs of manufactured portable ladders obtained before October 3, 1983, shall be capable of supporting a two hundred pound (890 N) load without deformation.

(b) Rungs shall be evenly spaced from nine to sixteen and one-half inches (22.9 to 41.9 cm), center to center.

(c) Rungs shall be continuous members between rails. Each rung of a double-rung ladder (two side rails and a center rail) shall extend the full width of the ladder.

(d) Width between side rails at the base of the ladder shall be at least twelve inches (30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05 m) or less in overall length, and shall increase at least one-fourth inch (0.64 cm) for each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder length.

(3) Standards for manufactured portable ladders. Manufactured portable ladders obtained after October 3, 1983, shall bear identification indicating that they meet the appropriate ladder construction requirements of the following standards:

ANSI A14.1-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Wood Ladders

ANSI A14.2-1990 Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders

ANSI A14.5-1992 Safety Requirements for Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders

(4) Standards for job-made portable ladders. Job-made ladders shall:

(a) Have a minimum and uniform distance between rungs of twelve inches (30.48 cm), center to center;

(b) Be capable of supporting a two hundred fifty pound (1112 N) load without deformation; and

(c) Have a minimum width between side rails of twelve inches (30.48 cm) for ladders ten feet (3.05 m) in height. Width between rails shall increase at least one-fourth inch (0.64 cm) for each additional two feet (0.61 m) of ladder length.

(5) Maintenance and inspection.

(a) The employer shall maintain portable ladders in safe condition. Ladders with the following defects shall not be used and either shall be tagged as unusable if kept on the premises or shall be removed from the worksite:

(i) Broken, split or missing rungs, cleats, or steps;

(ii) Broken or split side rails;

(iii) Missing or loose bolts, rivets, or fastenings;

(iv) Defective ropes; or

(v) Any other structural defect.

(b) Ladders shall be inspected for defects prior to each day's use, and after any occurrence, such as a fall, which could damage the ladder.

(6) Ladder usage.

(a) Ladders made by fastening rungs or devices across a single rail are prohibited.

(b) Ladders shall not be used:

(i) As guys, braces, or skids; or

(ii) As platforms, runways, or scaffolds.

(c) Metal and wire-reinforced ladders with wooden side rails shall not be used when employees on the ladder might come into contact with energized electrical conductors.

(d) Individual sections from different multisectional ladders or two or more single straight ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to achieve additional length.

(e) Except for combination ladders, self-supporting ladders shall not be used as single straight ladders.

(f) Unless intended for cantilever operation, nonself-supporting ladders shall not be used to climb above the top support point.

(g) Ladders shall extend at least thirty-six inches (0.91 m) above the upper support level if employees are to leave or mount the ladder at that level, except that where such extension is impractical other equivalent means such as grab bars may be used to provide a hand grip.

(h) Ladders shall be securely positioned on a level and firm base.

(i) Ladders shall be fitted with slip-resistant bases and secured at top or bottom to prevent the ladder from slipping.

(j) Ladders shall be placed so that employees climbing are not exposed to injury from projecting objects or doors that open toward the ladder.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60211, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17.040 RCW. 99-02-024 (Order 98-16), § 296-56-60211, filed 12/30/98, effective 03/30/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60211, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60211, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60211, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60213 Jacob's ladders.

(1) Jacob's ladders shall be of the double rung or flat tread type. They shall be well maintained and properly secured to the dock.

(2) A Jacob's ladder shall either hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60213, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60215 Fixed stairways.

(1) Definition. “Fixed stairway” means interior or exterior stairs serving machinery, tanks, or equipment, and stairs to or from floors, platforms, or pits. The term does not apply to stairs intended only for fire exit purposes, to articulated stairs (the angle of which changes with the rise and fall of the base support) or to stairs forming an integral part of machinery.

(2) New installations.

(a) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983, shall be positioned within the range of thirty degrees to fifty degrees to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of one hundred pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated load of three hundred pounds (1334 N) at the center of any treadspan. Riser height shall be from six to seven and one-half inches (15.24 to 19.05 cm), stair width a minimum of twenty-two inches (55.88 cm) between vertical barriers, and tread depth a minimum of 12 ± 2 inches (30.48 ± 5.08 cm), and tread nosing shall be straight leading edges.

(b) Stair landings shall be at least twenty inches (50.8 cm) in depth. Where doors or gates open on a stairway, a landing platform shall be provided. Door swing shall not reduce the effective standing area on the landing to less than eighteen inches (45.72 cm) in depth.

(c) Fixed stairs having four or more risers shall have stair railings or handrails complying with WAC 296-56-60123(3).

(d) The railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33 plus or minus 3 inches (83.82 cm plus or minus 7.62 cm).

(e) Restricted areas. When physical features require stairs steeper than those provided for by (a) of this subsection, stairs at angles of fifty degrees to seventy-five degrees from the horizontal may be used if they:

(i) Are capable of supporting a single concentrated load of two hundred pounds (890 N) at the tread centers;

(ii) Have open treads at least four inches (10.16 cm) in depth and eighteen inches (45.72 cm) in width with a uniformly spaced vertical rise between treads of six to nine and one-half inches (15.24 to 24.13 cm); and

(iii) Have handrails that meet the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3) on both sides that are not less than thirty inches (76.2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face.

(f) Maintenance. Fixed stairways shall be maintained in safe condition and shall not be obstructed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60215, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60215, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60215, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60215, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60217 Spiral stairways.

(1) Definition. “Spiral stairway” means one with closed circular form, uniform sector-shaped treads and a supporting column.

(2) Requirements. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions of Figure F-1;

Figure F-1

Spiral Stairway-Minimum Dimensions

	A (Half-Thread Width)	B
Normal use by employees Limited Access	11 inches (27.9 cm) 9 inches (22.9 cm)	6 inches (15.2 cm) 5 inches (12.7 cm)

(b) Stairway risers shall be uniform and shall range from six and one-half to ten and one-half inches (16.5 to 26.67 cm) in height;

(c) Minimum loading capability shall be one hundred pounds per square foot (445 N), and minimum tread center concentrated loading shall be three hundred pounds (1334 N);

(d) Railing shall conform to the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3). If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. Handrails shall be a minimum of one and one-fourth inches (3.18 cm) in outside diameter; and

(e) Vertical clearance shall be at least six feet, six inches (1.98 m) above the top step.

(3) Maintenance. Spiral stairways shall be maintained in safe condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60217, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17.040 RCW. 99-02-024 (Order 98-16), § 296-56-60217, filed 12/30/98, effective 03/30/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60217, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60217, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60217, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60219 Employee exits.

(1) Employee exits shall be clearly marked.

(2) If an employee exit is not visible from employees' work stations, directional signs indicating routes to the exit shall be posted.

(3) Exits shall be readily accessible and sufficient in number to provide employees with a convenient means of escape in emergencies. A clear passage to the exit shall be maintained.

(4) The minimum width of any employee exit shall be twenty-eight inches (71.12 cm).

(5) All fire exits and aisleways of all docks and warehouses shall be clearly marked and kept clear. All main aisleways shall be wide enough to permit passage of a fire truck.

(6) There shall be a twenty-eight inch clearance maintained where employees use a passageway to an exit.

(7) Every building, structure or crane, new or old, shall be provided with an emergency means of egress to permit the prompt escape of occupants in case of fire or other emergency, at all locations with a vertical height of thirty feet or more. Cranes, buildings, or structures erected prior to January 1, 1985, shall comply with the provisions of this standard by July 1, 1986.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60219, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60219, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60219, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60219, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60221 Illumination.

Lighting. All areas shall be lighted to meet the requirements of this code.

(1) Active work areas shall be lighted in such a manner that the general area being worked will be illuminated at a minimum intensity of approximately five foot candles measured thirty inches above the dock floor. Supplemental lighting shall be utilized where more than the minimum intensity is necessary for safe operation.

(a) The lighting intensity shall be measured at the task/working surface in the plane in which the task/working surface is present.

(b) Lights shall, as far as possible, be placed so that they will not shine in the eyes of employees.

(2) A minimum of three foot candles illumination measured in the manner described above shall be maintained at all points along the bull rail.

(3) The quality of light shall be such that it is reasonably free from glare, and has correct direction, diffusion, and distribution.

(4) Lighting shall not be obstructed by any placement of cargo, structures or other objects which might create a shadow in the work area. Portable lighting shall be provided in those areas that do not meet the minimum requirements of this subsection.

(5) Portable illumination.

(a) All walking and working areas shall be illuminated.

(b) Portable lights shall meet the following requirements:

(i) Portable lights shall be equipped with reflectors and guards to prevent flammable and other material from coming in contact with the bulb, except that guards are not required where the construction of the reflector is such that the bulb is recessed.

(ii) Portable lights shall be equipped with heavy duty electric cords. They may be suspended by such cords only when the means of attachment of the cord to the light is such as to prevent the light from being suspended by the electrical connections.

(iii) All connections and insulation shall be maintained.

(iv) Lighting wires and fixtures for portable lights shall be so arranged as to be free from contact with drafts, running gear, or other moving equipment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 09-15-144 (Order 09-03), § 296-56-60221, filed 07/21/09, effective 09/01/09. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60221, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60221, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60223 Passage between levels and across openings.

(1) General. The employer shall provide safe means of passage between different surface levels and across openings.

(2) Dockboards (car and bridge plates).

(a) Dockboards shall be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them.

(b) Portable dockboards shall be anchored in position or be equipped with devices to prevent their movement.

(c) Hand holds or other effective means shall be provided on portable dockboards to permit safe handling.

(d) Positive means shall be used to prevent railcars or highway vehicles from being moved while dockboards or bridge plates are in position.

(3) Ramps.

(a) Ramps shall be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them, provided with sideboards, properly secured and well maintained.

(b) Ramps shall be equipped with guardrails meeting the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3) if the slope is more than twenty degrees to the horizontal or if employees could fall more than four feet (1.22 m).

(c) Ramps shall have slip-resistant surfaces.

(d) When necessary to prevent displacement by vehicle wheels, steel plates or similar devices, used to temporarily bridge or cover uneven surfaces or tracks, shall be anchored.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60219, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60223, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60223, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60223, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60225 Guarding temporary hazards.

Ditches, pits, excavations, and surfaces in poor repair shall be guarded by readily visible barricades, rails or other equally effective means.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60225, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60227 River banks.

(1) This section applies to temporary installations or temporary operations near a river bank.

(2) Where working surfaces at river banks slope so steeply that an employee could slip or fall into the water, the employer shall ensure that the outer perimeter of the working surface is protected by posting or other portable protection such as roping off, and that employees wear a personal flotation device meeting the requirements of WAC 296-56-60115(2).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60227, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60227, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60229 Sanitation.

(1) Washing and toilet facilities.

(a) The employer shall provide accessible washing and toilet facilities sufficient for the sanitary requirements of employees. The facilities shall have:

(i) Running water, including hot and cold or tepid water (when cargo handling is conducted at locations without permanent facilities, containers of potable water may be provided in lieu of running water);

(ii) Soap;

(iii) Individual hand towels, clean individual sections of continuous toweling or warm air blowers; and

(iv) Fixed or portable toilets in separate compartments with latch-equipped doors.

(b) Separate toilet facilities shall be provided for male and female employees except when toilet rooms are occupied by only one person at a time. A means of locking shall be provided.

(c) Washing and toilet facilities shall be regularly cleaned and maintained in good order.

(2) Drinking water.

(a) Potable drinking water shall be accessible to employees at all times.

(b) Potable drinking water containers shall be clean, containing only water and ice, and shall be fitted with covers.

(c) Common drinking cups are prohibited.

(3) Prohibited eating areas. Consumption of food or beverages in areas where hazardous materials are being stored or handled shall be prohibited.

(4) Garbage and overboard discharges. Work shall not be conducted in the immediate vicinity of uncovered garbage or in the area of overboard discharges from the vessel's sanitary lines unless employees are protected from the garbage or discharge by a baffle or splash boards.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60229, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 91-11-070 (Order 91-01), § 296-56-60229, filed 5/20/91, effective 6/20/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60229, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60229, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60231 Signs and marking.

(1) General. Signs required by this chapter shall be clearly worded and legible. They shall contain a key word or legend indicating the reason for the sign.

(a) Key words are such words as danger, warning, caution.

(b) Legends are more specific explanations such as high voltage, close clearance, pedestrian crossing.

(2) Specific. Every marine terminal shall have conspicuously posted signs as follows:

(a) Locations of first-aid facilities;

(b) Locations of telephones;

(c) Telephone numbers of the closest ambulance service, hospital or other source of medical attention, police, fire department, and emergency squad (if any); and

(d) Locations of fire fighting and emergency equipment and fire exits.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60231, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60231, filed 12/11/84.]

Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Rules & Policies

Longshore, Stevedore and Waterfront Related Operations

Ladders, Stairway Openings, Sanitation, Signs, Etc.