Standards for construction of ladders

(1) Ladders shall be constructed so that the side rails shall measure not less than 38 mm (1.5 in.) by 89 mm (3.5 in.) for ladders up to 5 meters (16.5 feet) in length and not less than 38 mm (1.5 in.) by 140 mm (5.5 in.) for ladders over 5 meters (16.5 feet) in length; the rungs shall be solid lumber not less than 21 mm (.8 in.) by 89 mm (3.5 in.) spaced not more than 300 mm (12 ins.) apart, dapped into the side rails and secured in place by at least 3 nails on each side. (2) Ladders used underground shall be securely fastened to the timbering or wall of the shaft, raise or stope, maintained in good condition, have equally spaced rungs, be installed so that the rungs shall be more than 100 mm (4 ins.) from the wall or timbering and be erected at an inclination of not more than 80 degrees from the horizontal unless equipped with safety hoops. Fastening. 104 (3) Every ladder shall project at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) above its landing platform and be securely fastened to the Projection above landing. Platforms in ladderways. (4) Where a shaft, raise or ladderway is inclined at over 50 degrees from the horizontal, it shall be provided with a ladderway containing platforms erected at vertical intervals not exceeding 7.5 meters (25 feet) and each platform shall have an opening which permits a person wearing self-contained breathing apparatus to pass through. Ladders to be offset. (5) Where a shaft, raise or ladderway is inclined at over 70 degrees from the horizontal, the ladderway, in addition to the requirements of Regulation 54 (3), shall have the individual ladders between each platform offset so that they act as protection over the holes in the platform. (6) No person shall use, or allow to be used, a flexible ladder except in a shaft sinking operation or in an emergency rescue operation and provided the ladder is safe and secure. Prohibition of flexible ladders. (7) All ladderways shall be installed and maintained to reduce the hazard of a person falling. (8) Where a ladderway and a skipway occupy the same opening in a ladderway, the ladders shall be adequately protected from material being hoisted, and no person shall travel or be allowed in the ladderway while the skip is in motion and sufficient guardrails shall be installed to prevent a person using the ladderway from falling into the skipway. Protection from skipway.