Scaffolds and Ladders - Code of Safety, Part 2: Ladders

IS 3696 Part 2: Scope & Key Specifications

Scope (Clause 3.0)

• Defines terms related to wooden built-up ladders.
• Applies to ladders used for general industrial and domestic purposes.

General Requirements (Clause 6.1)

• Ladders must be sturdy, safe, and dimensionally consistent.
• Materials should be durable and suitable for load conditions.

Key Table: Dimensions of Wooden Built-Up Sectional Ladders (Clause 6.2.2)

Notes:

• Uprights: Cross-sectional size ensures strength and stability.
• Cleats: Minimum size for safe footing.

flowchart TD
    A[Scope: Definitions] --> B[General Requirements]
    B --> C[Wooden Built-Up Ladders]
    C --> D[Dimensions Table]
    D --> E[Uprights & Cleats Sizes]

This ensures ladders are dimensioned for safe use according to length and load.

IS 3696 Part 2: Definitions & Key Specifications

1. Definitions (Clause 3.0)

• Defines terms related to wooden ladders for clarity and uniformity.
• Covers ladder types, components (uprights, cleats), and usage context.

2. General Requirements (Clause 6.1)

• Specifies materials, workmanship, and safety norms for wooden ladders.
• Ensures durability, strength, and user safety.

3. Key Table: Dimensions of Wooden Built-Up Sectional Ladders (Clause 6.2.2, Table 6.3.4)

Notes:

• Uprights: Vertical supports, minimum cross-section as above.
• Cleats: Horizontal steps, sized for safe footing.
• Inside width varies from bottom to top for ergonomic design.

flowchart LR
    A[Uprights (50x100 mm)] --> B[Cleats (22x75/95 mm)]
    B --> C[Ladder Length (3 to 6 m)]
    C --> D[Inside Width Bottom (500-585 mm)]
    C --> E[Inside Width Top (430-500 mm)]

This ensures ladders are structurally sound and safe per IS 3696 Part 2 standards.

IS 3696 Part 2: Classification of Ladders

1. Classification (Clause 4.1)

Ladders used in construction are classified mainly as:

• Single Ladders
• Double Ladders
• Extension Ladders
• Sectional Ladders (Clause 6.3.4)

2. Overall Length (Clause 3.2)

• Measured as the length of the uprights from end to end.

3. Sectional Ladders Dimensions (Table from Clause 6.2.2)

Notes:

• Uprights are wooden built-up sections.
• Cleats (rungs) size increases with length for strength.
• Inside width tapers from bottom to top for stability.

flowchart LR
    A[Classification of Ladders]
    A --> B[Single Ladder]
    A --> C[Double Ladder]
    A --> D[Extension Ladder]
    A --> E[Sectional Ladder]
    E --> F[Dimensions per IS 3696 Part 2]

This summary aids in selecting ladder types and dimensions per IS 3696 Part 2.

IS 3696 Part 2 (1991) - General Requirements for Wooden Built-Up Ladders

Key Specifications (Clause 6.2.2, Table 6.3.4)

General Requirements (Clause 6.1)

• Ladders must be strong, rigid, and safe for use.
• Dimensions vary with ladder length to ensure stability and usability.
• Cleats (rungs) and uprights must comply with minimum cross-sectional sizes for strength.

Additional Notes

• Uprights are typically rectangular timber sections.
• Cleats are fixed securely to uprights to avoid loosening.
• Inside width reduces from bottom to top for ease of climbing.

flowchart TB
    A[Wooden Built-Up Ladder] --> B[Uprights: 50x100 mm min]
    A --> C[Cleats: 22x75 to 22x95 mm]
    A --> D[Inside Width Bottom > Inside Width Top]
    B --> E[Length 3-3.75 m: Width Bottom 500 mm, Top 430 mm]
    B --> F[Length 3.75-5 m: Width Bottom 530 mm, Top 450 mm]
    B --> G[Length 5-6 m: Width Bottom 585 mm, Top 500 mm]

This ensures ladders meet safety and usability standards per IS 3696 Part 2.

IS 3696 Part 2: Materials - Key Specifications & Tables

1. Materials for Ladders (Clause 5.1)

• Metal ladders must be:
  • Steel conforming to IS 1977:1975
  • Aluminium alloy conforming to IS 617:1975

2. Wooden Built-Up Ladder Dimensions (Clause 6.2.2, Table 1)

• Uprights: Cross-section minimum 50 × 100 mm
• Cleats: Minimum size varies from 22 × 75 mm to 22 × 95 mm depending on ladder length

3. Maintenance (Clause 9.2.2)

• Metal rungs must be cleaned regularly to maintain non-slip properties.
• All fittings should be checked carefully for safety.

Summary Diagram: Ladder Components

graph TD
A[Wooden Ladder] --> B[Uprights (50x100 mm)]
A --> C[Cleats (22x75 to 22x95 mm)]
A --> D[Inside Width: Bottom & Top]

Note: Always refer to IS 3696 Part 2 for detailed design and safety requirements.

IS 3696 Part 2 – Design & Construction of Ladders: Key Specifications

1. Dimensions of Wooden Built-Up Sectional Ladders (Clause 6.2.2, Table 6.3.4)

2. Portable Ladders of Rigid Construction (Clauses 4.1.2 & 7.2)

• Must be strong, durable, and rigid.
• Materials: wood or metal with adequate cross-section.
• Steps/cleats must be fixed firmly and spaced uniformly.
• Safety features like anti-slip feet and secure locking for sectional ladders.

3. Sectional Ladders (Clause 6.3.4)

• Designed for easy assembly/disassembly.
• Must maintain strength and stability when extended.
• Dimensions as per Table 6.3.4 above.

Summary

• Uprights: Minimum 50 × 100 mm.
• Cleats: Minimum 22 × 75 mm (up to 5 m length), 22 × 95 mm for longer ladders.
• Width: Bottom width varies from 500 to 585 mm depending on length.
• Safety: Rigid construction and secure fittings essential.

flowchart TD
    A[Ladder Length] -->|3-3.75 m| B[Inside Width Bottom: 500 mm]
    A -->|3.75-5 m| C[Inside Width Bottom: 530 mm]
    A -->|5-6 m| D[Inside Width Bottom: 585 mm]
    B & C & D --> E[Uprights: 50x100 mm]
    B & C --> F[

IS 3696 Part 2: Instructions Regarding Usage (Clause 7)

Key points for safe and effective use of ladders per IS 3696 Pt 2:

• Rope Ladder Specifications (Clause 6.4):

  • Minimum rope diameter: 25 mm
  • Step plank thickness: ≥ 38 mm
  • Steps must be securely fixed to prevent slipping.

• Maintenance (Clause 9.2.2):

  • Metal rungs must be cleaned regularly to maintain non-slipping properties.
  • All fittings should be checked carefully for wear or damage.

• General Usage Guidelines:

  • Use ladders only for their intended purpose.
  • Inspect ladders before use for defects.
  • Avoid overloading beyond design capacity.
  • Ensure proper anchorage and stability during use.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions and IS standards for installation and maintenance.

Summary Table: Rope Ladder Minimum Dimensions

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Ladder Usage] --> B[Inspect Ladder]
    B --> C{Defects?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Repair/Replace]
    C -- No --> E[Check Stability]
    E --> F{Stable?}
    F -- No --> G[Secure Ladder]
    F -- Yes --> H[Use Ladder Safely]
    H --> I[Perform Regular Maintenance]
    I --> J[End]

Note: Always adhere to IS 3696 Part 2 clauses for safety and durability.

IS 3696 Part 2: Inspection and Testing Key Points

Inspection (Clause 9.2.2 & 7.2.15)

• Trestle and extension trestle ladders must be used fully spread to ensure stability.
• Rope ladders should be securely tied to strong supports.
• Metal rungs require cleaning to maintain non-slip properties.
• All fittings must be checked regularly for damage or wear.

Testing & Maintenance (Clause 9.2.2)

• Clean metal rungs to prevent material buildup that reduces slip resistance.
• Inspect all fittings carefully for corrosion, deformation, or looseness.
• Ensure ladders are free from defects before use.

Summary Table: Inspection Checklist

Additional Notes:

• Regular inspection prevents accidents caused by ladder failure.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines alongside IS 3696 for detailed testing procedures.

flowchart TD
    A[Start Inspection] --> B{Ladder Type?}
    B -->|Trestle| C[Check fully spread position]
    B -->|Rope| D[Check secure tying]
    C --> E[Inspect metal rungs]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Clean rungs]
    F --> G[Check fittings]
    G --> H{Any defects?}
    H -->|Yes| I[Repair or discard ladder]
    H -->|No| J[Safe for use]

This concise guide helps ensure ladder safety through proper inspection and maintenance per IS 3696 Part 2.

IS 3696 Part 2: Storage and Maintenance of Ladders

Storage (Clause 9.1)

• Store ladders under cover, protected from weather.
• Keep in a dry, well-ventilated location.
• Support ladders properly to avoid sagging and permanent deformation.

Maintenance (Clause 9.2)

• Rope ladders: Test at least once a month (Clause 8.4).
• Metal rungs: Clean regularly to prevent material buildup that can degrade non-slip properties.
• Check all fittings carefully for wear or damage.

Table 9.2 (Maintenance Summary)

Key Points:

• Proper storage prevents damage and extends ladder life.
• Regular inspection and cleaning ensure safety and functionality.
• Monthly testing of rope ladders is mandatory.

flowchart TD
    A[Storage] --> B[Dry, covered area]
    A --> C[Proper support to avoid sagging]
    D[Maintenance] --> E[Monthly testing of rope ladders]
    D --> F[Clean metal rungs regularly]
    D --> G[Check all fittings]

For detailed procedures, refer to Clause 9.1 and 9.2 of IS 3696 Part 2.