Cage. An enclosure mounted on the side rails of a fixed ladder or fastened to a structure behind the fixed ladder that is designed to surround the climbing space of a fixed ladder. It may also be called a "cage guard" or "basket guard."

Carrier. The track of a ladder safety system that consists of a flexible cable or rigid rail attached, or immediately adjacent, to a fixed ladder.

Cleat. See "rung."

Combination ladder. See "special-purpose ladder."

Competent person. Is an individual knowledgeable of ladders, including the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions for the proper use, inspection, and maintenance; and who is capable of identifying existing and potential ladder hazards; and who has the authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate those hazards; and who is knowledgeable of the rules contained in this part regarding the installation, use, inspection, and maintenance of ladders.

Equivalent. Alternative design, material, or method to protect against a hazard. You have to demonstrate it provides an equal or greater degree of safety for employees than the method, material, or design specified in the rule.

Extension ladder. A nonself-supporting portable ladder which is adjustable in length.

Failure. The ladder or ladder component loses the ability to carry the load, breaks, or separates into component parts.

Fastenings. Devices to attach a ladder to a structure, building, or equipment.

Fixed ladder. A ladder permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment. Fixed ladders include individual-rung ladders, but not ship stairs, step bolts, or manhole steps.

Grab bar. An individual horizontal or vertical handhold installed to provide access above the height of the ladder.

Job-made ladder. A ladder that is made, not commercially manufactured, to fit a specific job situation. They are for temporary use until a particular phase of construction is completed or until permanent stairways or fixed ladders are ready to use.

Individual-rung/step ladder. A fixed ladder consisting of individual steps or rungs mounted directly to the side or wall of the structure, building, or equipment. An individual-rung ladder does not include manhole steps.

Ladder. A device having steps, rungs, or cleats that can be used to climb or descend.

Ladder safety device. Any device, other than a cage or well, designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of falling from a ladder. A ladder safety device usually consists of a carrier, safety sleeve, lanyard, connectors, and body harness.

Ladder type. The designation that identifies the maximum intended load (working load) of the ladder. Ladder types are as follows:

Landing. Any area such as the ground, roof, or platform that provides access or egress to a ladder.

Manhole steps. Steps that are individually attached to, or set into, the wall of a manhole structure.

Maximum intended load. The total load of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to a ladder or ladder component at any one time. Sometimes referred to as working load.

Mobile. Manually propelled or moveable.

Mobile ladder stand (ladder stand). A mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting ladder that usually consists of wheels or casters on a rigid base and steps leading to a top step. A mobile ladder stand also may have handrails and is designed for use by one employee at a time.

Mobile ladder stand platform. A mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting unit having one or more standing platforms that are provided with means of access or egress.

Pitch. The included angle between the horizontal and the ladder, measured on the opposite side of the ladder from the climbing side.

Portable ladder. A ladder that can be readily moved or carried.

Qualified. Describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Reinforced plastic. A plastic that has high-strength fillers embedded in the base resin to increase strength.

Reinforced plastic ladder. A ladder whose side rails are reinforced plastic. The crosspieces, hardware, and fasteners may be made of metal or other suitable material.

Rung. A ladder crosspiece used in climbing or descending. Also called a cleat or step.

Side-step ladder. A fixed ladder that requires an employee to step sideways from the ladder in order to reach a walking-working surface, such as a landing.

Single ladder. A nonself-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of one section. The size is designated by the overall length of the side rail.

Single-rail ladder. A portable ladder with crosspieces mounted on a single rail. Single-rail ladders are prohibited from use.

Special-purpose ladder. A portable ladder that by design can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder, trestle ladder, stairway ladder, etc., in order to adapt the ladder to special or specific uses. The components of a combination ladder also may be used separately as a single ladder.

Step. See "rung."

Stepladder. A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps and hinged at the top. The size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.

Step bolt. (Also referred to as "pole step") means a bolt or rung attached at intervals along a structural member used for foot placement and as a handhold when climbing or standing.

Stepstool. A self-supporting, portable ladder that has flat steps and side rails. For purposes of the final rule, stepstool includes only those ladders that have a fixed height, do not have a pail shelf, and do not exceed thirty-two inches (81 cm) in overall height to the top cap, although side rails may extend above the top cap. A stepstool is designed so an employee can climb and stand on all of the steps and the top cap.

Through ladder. A fixed ladder that allows an employee to step between the side rails of the ladder to reach a walking-working surface, such as a landing.

Trestle ladder. A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of two sections hinged at the top to form equal angles with the base. The size is designated by the length of the side rails measured along the front edge.

Well. A permanent, complete walled enclosure around a fixed ladder.

Working length. The length of a nonself-supporting ladder, measured along the rails, from the base support point of the ladder to the point of bearing at the top.