053-5 Wyo. Code R. §§ 5-8 - Floors and Ladders

(a) Each service unit shall be equipped with a working platform to be used around the wellhead when personnel perform their duties from ground level. The platform is to be of sufficient size that two (2) men may work on it and the pipe racker can rack pipe without leaving it.

(b) When this platform is raised to six feet (6') or greater, it shall be equipped with guardrails around its outer edges at a nominal height of 42 inches. It shall also have midrails and a four inch (4") toeboard around the outer edge of the working platform. Stairs with four or more risers shall be equipped with hand rails on both sides.

(c) Any temporary stabbing board or other temporary boards placed in the derrick shall be securely fastened.

(d) All ladders shall be constructed of structural grade steel or equivalent.

(e) Ladder rungs shall be a minimum of three-quarters inch (3/4") diameter uniformly spaced and not to exceed 12 inches measured from top of rung to top of next rung and have a minimum width 16 inches.

(f) No ladder shall lean backwards from the vertical, nor to the side over 10° from vertical.

(g) Each permanent ladder section shall be secured to derrick by welding or bolting.

(h) Clearance in back of ladder. The distance from the centerline of rungs, cleats, or steps to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder shall be not less than seven inches (7"). When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, minimum clearances for the two rungs on either side of the obstruction shall be measured vertically from the obstruction no less than one and a half inches (1-1/2") to the upper rung and four and a half inches (4-1/2") to the lower rung.

(i) Cage and landing platforms, when used, shall comply with the requirements stated in 1910.27 of the Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety 1910-General Rules and Regulations. Approved ladder climbing devices may be in lieu of cage and landing platforms. Cage and landing platforms , or approved ladder climbing devices, shall be required on all ladders over 20 feet in height.

(j) A guardrail used and/or needed for the purpose of actual or potential containment of equipment or material shall be of such construction and strength as to effectively contain the full load or stress which may be anticipated to be applied upon it. (For example, if 25 pieces of six inch (6") pipe are contained by a guardrail, or any attachment to the guardrail, such guardrail and attachment must be capable of safely holding that quantity of pipe, plus an additional allowance for at least two (2) employees, assuming 200 pounds per employee.)

(k) All mast ladders on all servicing rigs are exempted from the requirements of subsections (e) and (h) of this section, provided the employer makes available and requires the use of an approved personal fall arrest system.

Notes

053-5 Wyo. Code R. §§ 5-8