Job site with only a single ladder between floors can impede employee’s ability to exit and prevent prompt medical attention in case of serious injury and delay the administration of medical attention to an injured employee, particularly in the case of serious injury, where even a few minutes can make a difference.
Types of emergencies:
- Construction operations
- Occupational injury
- Weather conditions
- Fire hazards
- Extended power loss
- Utility strikes
- Acts of terrorism
- Chemical spills
Emergency Response & Evacuation.
Project sites with multi story buildings must have 2 points of Egress by means of an approved stairwell or a scaffold stair tower and a ladder between floor levels for emergency escape. The stairs must be clear to permit access at all times.
Examples of approved access:
A double-cleated ladder or two or more separate ladders shall be provided when ladders are the only mean of access or exit from a working area for 25 or more employees, or when a ladder is to serve simultaneous two-way traffic.
As per OSHA 1926.1051(a)(2)
