The December 2019/January 2020 edition of Helicopter Maintenance Magazine (the only magazine dedicated to helping helicopter maintenance professionals be the best at their jobs) is now available. Featured on the front cover is Wildeck’s article, “Stepping Up Ladder Safety.” The article, also featured in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and D.O.M. Magazine, explores the implications of the 2017 revisions to OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems rule (29 CFR part 1910, subpart D) for aviation access products.

The Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems rule governs a variety of industries. OSHA saw the publication of the revisions to this rule as an opportunity to create a greater level of consistency, especially as it pertained to definitions and regulations for commonly used pieces of equipment. As a result, some of the most significant changes to emerge were the changes made to the definitions and rules for mobile ladders stands and mobile ladder stand platforms, two pieces of equipment popular with aviation maintenance professionals.

Mobile ladder stands are now defined as “a mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting ladder that usually consists of wheels or casters on a rigid base with 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 platforms are now defined as “a mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting unit have one or more standing platforms that are provided with means of access or egress.”

The following list outlines some of the new specifications that mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms must meet to be considered OSHA compliant.

• The steps of the mobile ladder stand or platform must have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 centimeters); a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 centimeters); and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 centimeters). Additionally, steps must be uniformly spaced and arranged.
• Mobile ladder stands and platforms must be capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended load. Additionally, the wheels or casters on the stand or platform must be capable of supporting their proportional share of four times the maximum intended load (in addition to their proportional share of the unit’s weight).
• Handrails must be installed on every open side of the mobile ladder stand or platform, excluding entrances. Exceptions to this rule can be made when the ladder or platform is up against another vertical surface.

Wildeck’s comprehensive line of aerospace and specialty access products can be customized to an end-user’s exact specifications. In addition to ensuring that all our products comply with OSHA’s regulations, our team of ladder experts can provide insight into ladder best practices. If you are interested in learning more about Wildeck’s unique approach to access products, please contact us at info@wildeck.com or (800) 325-6939. We are here to help take your aviation facility to new heights.