Canada – Nova Scotia Offshore Marine Installations and Structures Occupational Health and Safety Transitional Regulations

29 (1) Commercially manufactured portable ladders must meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z11-12, Portable Ladders, the English version of which was published in 2012.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), every fixed and portable ladder must, while being used,

• (a) be placed on a firm footing;

• (b) be secured in such a manner that it cannot be dislodged accidentally from its position; and.

• (c) be positioned in such a manner that it is not necessary for a person to use the underside of the ladder.

(3) When a fixed or portable ladder provides access from one level to another the ladder must extend, if reasonably practicable, at least three rungs above the higher level or, if it is not reasonably practicable, handholds must be provided.

(4) A metal or wire-bound fixed or portable ladder must not be used if there is a hazard that it may come into contact with any live electrical circuit or equipment.

(5) An employee must not work from any of the three top rungs of any single or extension portable ladder or from either of the two top steps of any stepladder.

(6) A non-metallic fixed or portable ladder must not be coated with a material that may hide flaws.