TECHNICAL CORRECTION

February 2002

SAMPLE
Process Industry Practices
Structural

PIP STF05501
Fixed Ladders and Cages

DO NOT
REMOVE
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team
and will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or
withdrawn. Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at
www.pip.org.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.
PRINTING HISTORY
November 1994 Issued August 2000 Technical Correction
December 1999 Revision February 2002 Technical Correction

Not printed with State funds

 TECHNICAL CORRECTION
February 2002

Process Industry Practices

Structural
SAMPLE

PIP STF05501
Fixed Ladders and Cages
Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................. 2 List of Details

1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2 Side Elevation............................................ 4

NOT FOR
1.2 Scope................................................. 2
2. References.................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices................ 2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards.......... 2
Minimum Clearances at Unavoidable
Obstructions ...................................... 4
Minimum Clearances for Ladder Wells
and Platforms .................................... 4
Section A-A - Step Through....................... 5

COMMERCIAL USE
2.3 Government Regulations................... 3
3. Design........................................... 3
Detail 1 - Rung Detail ................................ 5
Section B-B - Typical Cage ....................... 6
Ladder Cage at Elevated Platform ............ 6
Section C-C ............................................... 6
Side-Step Ladders ..................................... 7
Section D-D - Cage at Side Step............... 7
Detail 2 - Supporting Connection to
Concrete ............................................ 8
Detail 3 - Ladder Base Details................... 8
Detail 4 - Supporting Connection to
Steel................................................... 9
Detail 5 - Guide Connection to Steel ......... 9

Process Industry Practices Page 1 of 9

PIP STF05501 TECHNICAL CORECTION
Fixed Ladders and Cages February 2002

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides the fabricator and erector with a standard fixed ladder and

SAMPLE
cage design to be used in process industry facilities. This Practice also provides
process industry companies with design guide information to be used in specifying
and locating fixed ladders and cages.

1.2 Scope
This Practice shows the design details for fabrication and installation of typical
Occupational Safety and Health Administration-regulated ladders for structures,
miscellaneous platforms, and vessels for regular operational access/egress.
These details are intended to be issued to the fabricators supplying these ladders and
to the erectors for use in installation.
Any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Practice, the design drawings, or other
contract documents shall be brought to the attention of the buyer for resolution.

2. References
Applicable requirements in the following PIP Practices, codes and standards, and government
regulations shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the
date of contract award shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles will be used

NOT FOR
herein when appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP STS05120 - Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

COMMERCIAL USE
– PIP STS05130 - Erection of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

– ANSI A14.3 - American National Standard for Ladders−Fixed−Safety
Requirements
• American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
– ASTM A36/A36M - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
– ASTM A123 - Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot Galvanized) Coatings on
Products Fabricated from Rolled, Pressed, and Forged Steel Shapes, Plates,
Bars, and Strips
– ASTM A307 - Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Externally Threaded
Standard Fasteners
– ASTM A385 - Standard Practices for Providing High-Quality Zinc Coatings
(Hot-Dip)

Page 2 of 9 Process Industry Practices

TECHNICAL CORRECTION PIP STF05501
February 2002 Fixed Ladders and Cages

2.3 Government Regulations

The following government document has been used as a reference in the development
of this Practice.

• U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

– Regulations 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D (Walking-Working Surfaces)

SAMPLE
Modifications or deviations from this Practice should be reviewed by appropriate
personnel to assure compliance with applicable safety regulations and requirements
by state or local agencies that have jurisdiction where the ladder is to be erected.

3. Design
3.1 The project design drawings and data sheets specify the ladder location and
orientation, whether or not a cage is required, special fabrication details, and any
changes to the requirements of this Practice. Unless noted otherwise on the contract
documents, a self-closing double bar safety gate, in conformance with OSHA, shall
be provided for all ladders.
3.2 All structural material shall be ASTM A36 steel unless otherwise noted.
3.3 The entire ladder shall be welded construction except as shown. All welds shall be
smooth, continuous, and sealed. Fabrication shall comply with PIP STS05120.
3.4 All ladder bolts shall be 5/8-inch (16-mm) ASTM A307 bolts unless otherwise noted.
3.5 Ladder rung design is based on a 200-pound (890-N) concentrated live load.
3.6 Ladder connections are designed for a maximum total load (dead plus live) of

NOT FOR
1000 pounds (4.4 kN) on one side rail.
3.7 Cages shall be provided on ladders of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken
length of 30 feet, where the length of ladder refers to the vertical distance between
landings. Cages are also required on ladders less than 20 feet in length where the

COMMERCIAL USE
ladder is located at an elevated platform that does not provide adequate fall
protection. Consideration of cage protection for these applications should be made in
the design process for each particular case. Ladder safety devices may be used in lieu
of the required cage protection.
3.8 Ladder assemblies shall be coated after fabrication in accordance with the design
drawings and specifications governing the project.
3.8.1 Galvanizing (when required) shall be done after fabrication and in
accordance with PIP STS05120.
3.9 Erection of ladders shall comply with PIP STS05130.

Process Industry Practices Page 3 of 9

 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 4 OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

FOR SIDE ACCESS, SEE

SECTION D-D, PAGE 7

EXTEND LADDER
BAR CONNECTION

SAMPLE
FOR SIDE ACCESS
TO RAILING WHEN DISTANCE TO ANY UNAVOIDABLE

PAGE 5
A
3 x 1/4 (75 x 6) OBSTRUCTION (INCLUDING INSULATION)
BAR FOR TOP, BOTT., IS LESS THAN 7 INCHES (178), PROVIDE
& 20 FEET (6000) MINIMUM HAND AND TOE CLEARANCES
C. TO C. INTERMEDIATE
AS SHOWN.
HOOPS
LESS THAN 7 (178)
4'-0 (1200)

3'-6 (1050)

7(MIN.) (178) CL LADDER

12 (300) (MAX.)
FLOOR

MIN.
1 1/2
(39)
LINE TOP OF RUNG EVEN
WITH FLOOR LINE
A

DETAIL 2, PAGE 8
OR 4, PAGE 9
D D 1 1/2
PAGE 7 (39)

MIN.
(115)
4 1/2
MIN.
HEADROOM AT
SIDE ACCESS
UNSUPPORTED LENGTH

MINIMUM CLEARANCES
7'-0 (2134)

AT UNAVOIDABLE OBSTRUCTIONS
(1050)
3'-6

FLOOR
LINE

OMIT 2 VERT.
BARS AT SIDE- B B
MAX (TYP.)

STEP PLATFORMS
4'-0 (1200)

PAGE 6

NOT FOR
4 (100) FLARE

2 x 1/4 (50 x 6)
BAR FOR INTERMEDIATE
HOOPS SPACED, 4'-0
(1200) MAX. C. TO C. 7 (178) 2'-6 (762) OTHER
4'-0 (1200)

OBSTRUCTIONS
DETAIL 5 (7) VERTICAL

COMMERCIAL
PAGE 9 BARS 2'-3 (686) SMOOTH WALL
1 1/2 x 1/4
3/4 (20) DIA.
(38 x 6)
SMOOTH BAR RUNGS
1'-0 (300) C TO C (SEE
DETAIL 1, PAGE 5) 3 x 1/4 (75 x 6)
BAR FOR TOP, BOTT.,
(381)
1'-3

AND 20 FEET (6000)

FRONT
BACK

USE
2 1/2 x 3/8 (63 x9) C. TO C. INTERMEDIATE CL
UNSUPPORTED LENGTH

BAR UNSUPPORTED HOOPS.

(381)
1'-3

LENGTH NOT TO EXCEED

10 FEET (3000)
8'-0 (2400) (MAX.)
7'-0 (2134) (MIN.)

3 x 3/8 (75 x 9) BAR

UNSUPPORTED LENGTH
NOT TO EXCEED
18 FEET (5400)
MINIMUM CLEARANCES
C3 x 4.1 (C76 x 38)
UNSUPPORTED LENGTH FOR LADDER WELLS
NOT TO EXCEED
MAX.
(300)

AND PLATFORMS
1'-0

29'-6 (8850) HIGH POINT (H.P.)

OF WALKING
DETAIL 3 SURFACE
PAGE 8

SIDE ELEVATION

DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS

IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 5 OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

BAR CONNECTION
RAILING TO RAILING

SAMPLE
NOTE: USE SELF
CLOSING DOUBLE
BAR SAFETY
GATE AS REQ'D.
BY OSHA.

3 (75) 1'-6 (450) 3 (75)

TOP OF TOP

4 (100)
RUNG EVEN
WITH FLOOR
LINE

3 (75)

SECTION A-A
STEP-THROUGH
PAGE 4

CHANNEL

NOT FOR
RAIL

CL
13/16 (21) DIA.
HOLE IN RAIL

3/16 (5) 9 (225)

COMMERCIAL 13/16 (21) DIA.

BAR
RAIL
CL

USE
HOLE IN RAIL

3/16 (5) 9 (225)

DETAIL 1
RUNG DETAIL
PAGE 4

DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS

IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 6OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

PROVIDE STD. CAGE WITH

EXTENDED VERTICAL BARS 2'-6 (762) MIN.
WHEN THIS DIMENSION IS
4'-0 (1200) OR LESS
CL RUNGS
RAILING

SAMPLE
(TOP RAIL)

CLADDER
(300)
1'-0
C C

PAGE 6

(300)
1'-0

MIN.
1'-3 (381)
WELD ADDITIONAL VERTICAL
CL RUNGS 1'-0 1'-0 RAILING
BAR FOR CORNER CONDITION
3 1/2 1'-1 7/8 (300) (300) (TOP RAIL)
40

PROVIDE STD. CAGE WITH EXTENDED

DE
G.
(88) (353)
TY LADDER CAGE AT

DIMENSION IS 3'-0 (900) OR LESS

P.
ELEVATED PLATFORM

VERTICAL BARS WHEN THIS

TYP.
3/4 (20) DIA. 3/16 TYP.
(SMOOTH BAR) (5) 3/16 (5)
CL LADDER

HOOP BARS
1'-1 1/2 (343) RADIUS
1 1/2 x 1/4
(38 x 6)
VERT. BARS

NOT FOR
9
(225)

SECTION B-B
TYPICAL CAGE
PAGE 4

COMMERCIAL EXTENDED VERT. BARS

3- 1 x 1/4 (25 x 6)
BARS EQUALLY SPACED

USE
BOLT TO
8'-0 (2400) MAX.
7'-6 (2286) MIN.

RAILING
7'-0 (2134) MIN.

TOP OF RAILING

TOP OF
PLATFORM

SECTION C-C

DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS

IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 7 OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

1'-3 (381) 1'-6

MIN. (457)
MAX.
RAILING

SAMPLE

4'-0 (1200)
1'-0 (300) MAX.

CL LADDER

T.O. RUNG &

LANDING LEVEL

2'-6 (762)
MIN.

BETWEEN LANDINGS
30'-0 (9000) (MAX.)
RAILING

3/4 (20) DIA.

CONNECTORS WITH
THREADED ENDS AND T.O. RUNG &
DOUBLE NUTS,
LANDING LEVEL
SPACED VERTICALLY
AT RAILING HEIGHTS

7 (178) MIN. CLEARANCE

NOT FOR
12 (300) MAX. CLEARANCE
CAGES OMITTED
FOR CLARITY

SIDE-STEP LADDERS

COMMERCIAL
2'-0 (611)
OPENING IN RAILING
3 1/2 1'-1 7/8 10 1/8
(88) (353) (258)
9

USE
(225) PLATFORM
MAX.
MIN.

RAILING
1'-3 (381)
1'-8 (500)

40
CL RUNGS DE
G
40
DE

CL LADDER
G

TERMINATE VERTICAL
CAGE BARS AT HOOP NOTE: USE SELF
BELOW PLATFORM. CLOSING DOUBLE BAR
DISTANCE BETWEEN SAFETY GATE AS
FLOOR LINE AND HOOP REQUIRED BY OSHA.
SHALL NOT EXCEED
9 INCHES (225).
SECTION D-D
CAGE AT SIDE STEP
PAGE 4
DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS
IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 8 OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

4 1/2
L3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/8

SAMPLE
(113)
L3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/8 (L88 x 88 x 10)
(L88 x 88 x 10) (OUTSIDE)
1 1/2 1/2
CONCRETE CONCRETE (38) (13)
3/16
(5)

1 1/2
(38)
1 1/2
(38)

(100)

(175)
4

7
PL- 3/8 x 4 x 0'-7
(9 x 100 x 175)
CL CHANNEL RAIL
CL BAR RAIL CL 2-13/16 (22) DIA. HOLES FOR
3/16 (5) 5/8 (16) DIA. ASTM A307
3/16 (5) OR A36 ANCHOR BOLTS
7 7
(GALV.) OR EPOXY
(178) (178) ANCHORS (GALV.) W/
MIN. MIN. MIN. 3 (77) EMBEDDMENT

DETAIL 2
SUPPORTING CONNECTION TO CONCRETE
PAGE 4

CHANNEL
RAIL

NOT FOR
13/16 (21) DIA x 3 (75) 13/16 (21) DIA x 3 (75)
BAR
LONG SLOTTED HOLE LONG SLOTTED HOLE CL 15/16 (25)
RAIL
IN ANGLE IN ANGLE
CL 15/16 (25) DIA. HOLE
DIA. HOLE

USE L5 x 3 x 3/8 USE L5 x 3 x 3/8

COMMERCIAL
(L125 x 75 x 9) 1 3/4 (L125 x 75 x 9) 1 3/4
BOLTED FOR (44) BOLTED FOR (44)
ADJUSTMENT 3 ADJUSTMENT
GA. GA. 3
(FINGER TIGHTENED) (FINGER TIGHTENED)
(75) (75)

NOTE: DETAIL IS NOT TO BE

ELEVATION AT ELEVATION AT

USE
USED ON LADDERS
BAR RAIL ATTACHED DIRECTLY TO CHANNEL RAIL
VESSELS.
(USE GUIDE, SEE DETAIL 5,
AT BOTTOM OF VESSEL.
ALLOW CLEARANCE TO
WALKING SURFACE).

CONNECTION TO WALKING SURFACE OR SUPPORT POINT

1) STEEL OR GRATING: LADDER FABRICATOR TO SUPPLY ASTM A307 5/8 (16) DIA. BOLTS, WASHERS,
AND PLATES 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1/4 (63x63x6) FOR CONNECTION.
2) CONCRETE: LADDER ERECTOR TO PROVIDE GROUT BED AND 5/8 (16) DIA. ASTM A307 OR A36 ANCHOR
BOLTS OR EPOXY ANCHORS (GALV.) W/3 (77) MIN. EMBEDDMENT.

DETAIL 3
LADDER BASE DETAILS
PAGE 4

DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS

IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
 PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
FABRICATION/INSTALLATION DETAILS
STF05501
SEPTEMBER 2001
PAGE 9 OF 9
FIXED LADDERS
AND CAGES DETAILS STF05501

SAMPLE
1/4 (6)

VESSEL CLIP
OR STRUCTURE
BAR- 3/8 x 6
(9 x 150) (INSIDE)

(75)
3
CL LADDER

1 1/2
(38)
RAIL

VARIES

CL 2- 5/8 (16) DIA.

ASTM A307 BOLTS

DETAIL 4
SUPPORTING CONNECTION TO STEEL
(ONE SET PER LADDER)
PAGE 4

NOT FOR
1/4 (6)

VESSEL CLIP
OR STRUCTURE
BAR- 3/8 x 6
(9 x 150) (INSIDE)

COMMERCIAL
(75)
3

CL LADDER
RAIL

VARIES

USE
CL 11/16 (18) DIA. x 2 1/2 (63) LG. SLOTTED
HOLE FOR 5/8 (16) DIA. ASTM A307 BOLT
(WITH BOLT HEAD TO INSIDE OF LADDER)
DETAIL 5
GUIDE CONNECTION TO STEEL
PAGE 4

DIMENSIONS ARE GIVEN IN FEET AND/OR INCHES. METRIC DIMENSIONS

IN PARENTHESES ARE IN MILLIMETERS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.