---
kind: "section"
citation: "29 C.F.R. § 1926.955"
title: "29"
number: "1926.955"
heading: "Portable ladders and platforms."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/29/1926.955"
---

# §1926.955. Portable ladders and platforms.

- (a) **General.** Requirements for portable ladders contained in [subpart X](/cfr/29/subpartX.md) of this part apply in addition to the requirements of this section, except as specifically noted in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section.
- (b) **Special ladders and platforms.** Portable ladders used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet § [1926.1053(b)(5)(i)](/cfr/29/1926.1053.md?p=b-5-i) and [(b)(12)](/cfr/29/1926.1053.md?p=b-b-12). Portable ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work shall meet the following requirements:
  - (1) **Design load.** In the configurations in which they are used, portable platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load.
  - (2) **Maximum load.** Portable ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed.
  - (3) **Securing in place.** Portable ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent them from becoming dislodged.
  - (4) **Intended use.** Portable ladders and platforms may be used only in applications for which they are designed.
- (c) **Conductive ladders.** Portable metal ladders and other portable conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lines or equipment. However, in specialized high-voltage work, conductive ladders shall be used when the employer demonstrates that nonconductive ladders would present a greater hazard to employees than conductive ladders.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 79 FR 20696, Apr. 11, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912); and 29 CFR Part 1911.

### Authority

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 3704; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, and 657; and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 31159), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), or 8-2020 (85 FR 58393), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911, unless otherwise noted Sections 1926.58, 1926.59, 1926.60, and 1926.65 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 553 and 29 CFR part 1911. Section 1926.61 also issued under 49 U.S.C. 1801-1819 and 5 U.S.C. 553. Section 1926.62 also issued under sec. 1031, Public Law 102-550, 106 Stat. 3672 (42 U.S.C. 4853). Section 1926.65 also issued under sec. 126, Public Law 99-499, 100 Stat. 1614 (reprinted at 29 U.S.C.A. 655 Note) and 5 U.S.C. 553.

### Source

Source: 44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, unless otherwise noted.