Thread: Vertical site built Ladder

Main attic access was through a 32 wide door in the back of a closet. There was a site built vertical ladder nailed to the wall framing to access the upper attic where the HVAC was located.

I have seen vertical ladders for access to commercial roofs but was wondering if there was any problem with having a vertical ladder in a residential environment?

There was a 2x4 screwed flat to the deck of upper attic. There was a 2x6 screwed flat to the 2x4 to create a grip when the ladder ends and you need something to pull yourself up and over.

I remember a post that had a similar setup but in that case you also had to climb over a water heater, hang by one arm and swing over to another point or some other series of convoluted steps. It was generally agreed that particular situation did not constitute access. I searched and was not able to find the old post.

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Drywall screws, by any chance?

I know of nothing which would allow a ladder like that. At a minimum it would need cleats between the rungs.

That said, if a ladder was to be allowed, it would, in my opinion, have to meet the requirements for permanent ladders to roof mounted HVAC equipment.

From the 2006 IMC.
- 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment and appliances requiring access are installed on roofs or elevated structures at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access, the extent of which shall be from grade or floor level to the equipment and appliances’ level service space. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) high or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope).
- Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:
- - 1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches (762 mm).
- - 2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center.
- - 3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.
- - 4. There shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.
- - 5. Rungs shall have a minimum 0.75-inch (19 mm) diameter and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.
- - 6. Ladders over 30 feet (9144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds (488.2 kg/m2) per square foot.
- - 7. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.
- Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.
- - Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

- - Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.

Uh... wouldn't that make it ok?

Bruce,

I have pulled those rungs as such right off the wall when trying to access one of those type ladders.

After falling the last time several feet and luckily landing on some decking instead of in between the ceiling rafters, I made the decision then they are not safe to use.

I can't understand how they can be approved for access to mechanical equipment. How is a man to get a new unit up a ladder as such or remove equipment. Poor design I say.

rick

Never trust anybody who says, "trust me." and never trust a home made ladder!

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

From the 2006 IMC.

- - Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Uh... wouldn't that make it ok?

Gunnar,

First, notice that the reference is from the IMC, not the IRC.

Second, that exception exempts Group R-3 from the requirement to have a permanent ladder for roof mounted mechanical equipment.

If you noticed, I stated "That said, if a ladder was to be allowed, it would, in my opinion, have to meet the requirements for permanent ladders to roof mounted HVAC equipment.". That is because the IRC does not address "vertical ladders to access mechanical equipment", thus I used a reference which does address ladders to access mechanical equipment.

I see those so called ladders fairly often. Most of the time an HVAC or water heater is up on that top section. And most of the time you have no room to place a real ladder to access that area!

The exciting part with a ladder like the one in the picture is when you attempt to get down, that is if you were able to get up in the first place!

Unsafe equals that it was not inspected by me!

OSHA requires a ladder be set at a 4:1 ratio rise/run or about 75 degrees. At this pitch, a person can climb the ladder with one hand on the ladder and one hand holding a work piece. Where a ladder is steeper than this, you must have fall protection. That loft up there needs two railings in order for a tech to work up there.
HTH,
Bob

Bob,

Speaking of railings, check out the pics below.

There was a railing around the attic opening. As I was entering the attic, I grabbed ahold of this thinking it was secured enough. When I pulled on the framing a bit, I then realized it was not.

Luckily, I did not fall.

Also notice the airborne cable wiring across the catwalk and the opening around the fireplace flue. They had tried to use OSB around the firestop. Someone else had stepped on it I quess while getting into the attic. I know someones leg had to go right through that opening.

rick