scope:

This standard prescribes rules and establishes minimum requirements for the construction, testing, care, and use of the common types of portable wood ladders described herein in order to ensure safety under normal conditions of usage. It does not cover step stools, except ladder-type step stools (see 6.4.4 for other exceptions), nor does it cover ladder accessories, including, but not limited to, ladder levelers, ladder stabilizers or stand-off devices, ladder jacks, or ladder straps or hooks, that may be installed on or used in conjunction with ladders.

This standard also prescribes rules and minimum requirements for labeling of the common types of portable stepladders, extension ladders, and single ladders, in order to ensure safety under normal conditions of usage. It does not cover stools (ladder type), platform ladders, trestle and extension trestle ladders, and combination ladders, nor does it apply where training, supervision, or established safety procedures are in conflict with or serve in lieu of this standard.

Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to provide reasonable safety for life, limb, and property. In order to develop an effective safety program, the standard should also serve as a basis for purchase requirements and for instruction in personnel training such as safety practices, manuals, posters, and the like. This standard is also intended to provide the manufacturer, purchaser, and user of wood ladders with a set of specifications and requirements against which a ladder may be compared.