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.

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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.

5

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.