Fixed Steel Ladder design.

[solm]

I need to design a fixed steel ladder. According to OSHA the loads to design the ladder are:
– At least 2 loads of 250 pounds each, concentrated between any 2 consecutive attachments.
– Any additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds each determined from the anticipated use of the ladder.

The problem is that I don't know the orientation of the loads. Are the loads vertical or in certain angle with the vertical?

 

[a2mfk]

Vertical, though you may want to also make sure it is good for some minimum horizontal too, though this usually takes care of itself. I'd say 50-100lb of lateral would be more than what is likely to be applied to any normal ladder. Its hard for a guy climbing a ladder to exert much in terms of lateral forces...

 

[solm]

Thanks. I think OSHA should be more specific about this matter.
Thanks again.

 

[a2mfk]

That assumes this is just a normal ladder, not one which requires OSHA fall protection tie-offs or anything like that..

 

[msquared48]

Yes, then F=MA applies...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask