Osha Step Stool Requirements

A ladder type step stool requires level ground support for all four of its side rails.

Osha step stool requirements.

According to osha there are no requirements for general purpose step stools under the height of 24 inches. A step stool or ladder is required when attempting to reach or perform tasks overhead. Step stool ladder type means a self supporting foldable portable ladder nonadjustable in length 32 inches or less in overall size with flat steps and without a pail shelf designed to be climbed on the ladder top cap as well as all steps. The side rails may continue above the top cap.

Rungs cleats and steps of step stools shall be not less than 8 inches 20 cm apart nor more than 12 inches 31 cm apart as measured between center lines of the rungs cleats and steps. Rungs cleats and steps of step stools must not be less than 8 inches 20 cm apart nor more than 12 inches 31 cm apart between center lines of the rungs cleats and steps. The side rails may continue above the top cap. The osha regulations for step stools are woven within the stairways ladders regulation 1926 1053 which is much too lengthy to print here.

A ladder type step stool must not be used unless its base is spread fully open and the spreaders locked. Any step stools that are 24 inches or higher are required to have a handrail. Choose the right style height material and performance duty rating required for the job. If this work site condition does not exist a ladder type step stool should not be selected for the job.

The federal osha standard at 29 cfr 1926 1050 b defines a step stool which is the equipment you refer to as a self supporting foldable portable ladder nonadjustable in length 32 inches or less in overall size with flat steps and without a pail shelf designed to be climbed on the ladder top cap as well as all steps. Inspection requirements stepstools meeting osha s definition must be. Inspected before initial use on each shift and more frequently as necessary to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury.