(a) Each vertical ladder must have rungs that are—
- (1) At least 41 centimeters (16 inches) in length;
- (2) Not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart, uniform for the length of the ladder; and
- (3) At least 18 centimeters (7 inches) from the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder.
- (b) Except when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, there must be at least 11.5 centimeters (4 1/2 inches) clearance above each rung.
- (c) Except as provided in § 108.540(h)(3)(ii), each exterior vertical ladder more than 6 meters (20 ft.) in length must be fitted with a cage or ladder safety device meeting ANSI Standard 14.3 (1974) for fixed ladders.
- (d) No vertical fixed ladders may be made of wood.
[CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56808, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by USCG-2002-13058, 67 FR 61279, Sept. 30, 2002]