By November 18, 2036, every fixed ladder in your facility—regardless of its installation date—must comply with OSHA’s updated safety standards. This means relying solely on cages or wells for fall protection will no longer be sufficient. Instead, each ladder must be equipped with either a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or a ladder safety system that meets the latest OSHA requirements.
At CATSI, we’re helping industrial facilities stay ahead of this deadline with turnkey solutions to bring your ladders into full compliance—efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
What OSHA Requires—and Why It Matters
Under OSHA 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B), ladders over 24 feet require either a PFAS or a ladder safety system if:
- The ladder was installed on or after November 19, 2018, or
- A worker could fall more than 24 feet (even if a single section of the ladder is less than 24 feet).
Cages alone will no longer be acceptable, and by 2036, all existing ladders must comply with this rule.
Learn more on OSHA's site
CATSI’s Solution: From Inspection to Installation
CATSI has been trusted by numerous facilities to assist with compliance, offering turnkey solutions or addressing specific gaps in your existing systems. Our range of services includes:
- Fall Protection Surveys
- Existing Fall Protection Inspections and Evaluations
- Fall Protection Master Planning
- Fall Protection System Design and Specification
- Fall Protection System Installation
Case Study
We recently partnered with a major industrial plant to install 3M SmartLoc retractable lanyard systems at 10 ladder locations. Our work included:
Design & Planning
- Evaluating site conditions and ladder structure
- Providing and installing fall arrest systems, including dual systems for dual ladders
- Creating a master structure list with part and serial numbers for future compliance tracking
- Creating record drawings of systems
Field Installation
- Inspecting each ladder for structural integrity
- Installing PFAS equipment and ladder anchors
- Certifying the ladder and safety system upon completion
- Ensuring the site is left clean and debris-free
Project Closeout
- Delivering as-built CAD drawings and digital documentation
- Providing certification that the system meets all OSHA and manufacturer standards
Our experienced team is skilled at bringing outdated ladders and elevated structures up to code, using in-house personnel and strictly adhering to all safety protocols.
Don’t Wait—Start Now
With over a decade left until the 2036 deadline, it might be tempting to delay fall protection upgrades. However, acting now means:
- Safer workplaces today
- Easier scheduling (before demand surges in 2035-2036)
- Avoiding costly last-minute retrofits
CATSI is ready to help you get started. Whether you’re planning phased upgrades or a site-wide installation, we offer the expertise and execution to ensure your ladders meet OSHA’s evolving safety standards.
