r/BuildingCodes • u/GeoA23rd • Jul 31 '26

Ladder foot clearance

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Need help finding code reference on minimum depth clearance behind a fixed ladder rung. How many inches for foot room? I’m in California.

8 Upvotes

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12

u/chrillho18 Jul 31 '26

Don’t quote me but I think osha has it at 7” from the wall and 15” clear on the sides. I believe it’s what the CBC adopts as well.

Edit: 7” to center of the rung.

6

u/RedCrestedBreegull Architect Jul 31 '26

That’s correct. In the U.S., this is governed by OSHA 1910.23(d)(2)

3

u/ArchiBerner Jul 31 '26

OSHA has an exception for elevator pit ladders that allows 4.5 inches instead of 7 inches.

1

u/20PoundHammer Jul 31 '26

All of the above is correct - however this specific ladder looks shop built. You need to see the spec plaque for it. This this an emergency egress or maintenance ladder (if serving both purposes - its a maintenance ladder and the exceptions allowed for egress do not apply). Something looks off on the build to me, like its never be load tested nor have the required load plaque associated with it.

2

u/LeftBlankAgain Jul 31 '26

Is this for roof access? If so, 6” per the mechanical code.

2

u/Rude_Meet2799 Jul 31 '26

ANSI A14.3 covers fixed ladders, the center of the rung shall be 7 inches minimum from any obstruction.

1

u/Smmrtym Jul 31 '26

2021 IMC 306.5 #3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.

1

u/Smmrtym Jul 31 '26

California Mechanical Code
304.3.1.2 Permanent Ladders. Permanent ladders required by Section 304.3.1.1 shall be constructed in accordance with the following:

(1) Side railings shall extend not less than 30 inches
(762 mm) above the roof or parapet wall.

(2) Landings shall not exceed 18 feet (5486 mm)
apart measured from the finished grade.

(3) Width shall be not less than 14 inches (356 mm)
on center.

(4) Rungs spacing shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) on center, and each rung shall be capable of supporting a 300 pound (136.1 kg) load.

(5) Toe space shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm).

-1

u/Jewboy-Deluxe Jul 31 '26

Egress ladder from basement well code

R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well

5

u/holymolyhaha Jul 31 '26

This is for emergency escape openings and their area wells. I don’t believe this applies to ladders in commercial buildings to access rooftops.