WAC 296-876-60050. Extensions and grab bars

(1) You must make sure the side rails of through or side-step ladders extend forty-two inches above the top of the access level or landing platform. Note: For a parapet ladder, the access level is: 1. The roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through it; or 2. The top of the parapet if it is continuous and uncut. (2) You must make sure the extension of a through ladder above the access level or landing platform has: (a) Steps or rungs omitted from the extension; and (b) Clearance between the side rails that is: (i) Not less than twenty-four inches; or (ii) Greater than thirty inches. EXEMPTION: The maximum clearance between side rails of the extension may be increased to thirty-six inches if the ladder has a ladder safety device. (3) You must make sure side-step ladders have the steps or rungs and the side rails continuous in the extension (see Figure D-2 in WAC 296-876-60030 ). (4) You must make sure individual rung-step ladders are extended at least forty-two inches above the access level or landing platform by: (a) Continuing the rung spacings as horizontal grab bars; or (b) Providing vertical grab bars that have the same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the rungs. EXEMPTION: Extensions are not required for individual rung-step ladders with access openings through a manhole or hatch. (5) You must make sure grab bars: (a) Are at least four inches from the nearest permanent object in back of the grab bar, measured from the centerline of the grab bar; (b) Do not extend beyond the rungs on the climbing side of the ladder; and (c) The minimum size (cross-section) of grab bars is the same size as the rungs of the ladder. EXEMPTION: WAC 296-876-60050 (5)(c) applies to general industry only. See the exemption list in the scope section of WAC 296-876-100 for more information.