Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/801657
32 PalletCentral • January-February 2017 palletcentral.com SAFETY Although OSHA characterizes the final rule as a performance- oriented standard, it does contain a significant number of specifications for the design of stairways, ladders and personal fall arrest systems. Any changes between the old and new design specifications will only apply to stairways, ladders or similar equipment purchased or installed after the January 2017 effective date. In addition to inspecting WWS regularly, all ladders must be inspected before use in each shift and more often as necessary. Fall protection equipment must similarly be inspected. Scaffold systems must now align with the requirements for scaffolds in OSHA's construction standard, 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L. The rule requires employers to protect workers from falling off fixed and portable ladders as well as mobile ladder stands and platforms. The rule's design specifications do not apply to ladders used in emergency operations (such as fire department and EMT equipment) or ladders that are an integral part of or designed into a machine or piece of equipment. Ladders with structural or other defects must be immediately tagged as "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or similar language, and removed from service until repaired or replaced. Employees must face the ladder when climbing up/down, and must be trained to use at least one hand while climbing. Employers must not allow workers to carry objects or loads while climbing, if it could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. In addition to the ladder inspection requirements, mobile ladder standards must support four times their maximum intended load. Fixed ladders will need to have cages and wells replaced with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system by 2036, except if the ladder or its components are replaced earlier, in which case the new ladders must meet the specifications. Ladders installed or purchased prior to January 17, 2017, need not be modified or replaced, but any new ladder equipment put