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Crawlspace Access and Ladders

Inspector Gift

Inspector Gift

SAWHORSE
Joined
Oct 17, 2009
Messages
597
Location
City of Sandy, Oregon
Question for today:
Do you know of any written policy or rules that require a permanent ladder be provided when a crawlspace is more than 48 inches below the floor? And if so, does it specify how close it must be to the opening?


It's been a regional requirement in this area that crawls deeper than 48 inches are required to have ready access that doesn't require any tools or special knowledge.


(The Crawl Space Access opening is 20 inches away from the ladder... See any other problems? ;^ )
20240905_130932.jpg
 
Inspector Gift said:
Question for today:
Do you know of any written policy or rules that require a permanent ladder be provided when a crawlspace is more than 48 inches below the floor? And if so, does it specify how close it must be to the opening?


It's been a regional requirement in this area that crawls deeper than 48 inches are required to have ready access that doesn't require any tools or special knowledge.


(The Crawl Space Access opening is 20 inches away from the ladder... See any other problems? ;^ )
View attachment 14530
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I am not aware of any.
 
If I had to apply some logic to it:

306.5​

Where equipment requiring access or appliances are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building such that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet (4877 mm) above grade to access such equipment or appliances, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height

Most of the sections speak of "unobstructed" which is not defined.....
 
I would bet your HR department might have a concern about how you get into and out of a crawlspace. (potential employee injuries) Ask for their input/policy.
It is a confined space and an employee might not have the physical strength to get out of a 4 foot deep crawlspace especially if they might be vertically challenged or injured while in the crawlspace.

Not all requirements need to be in the building code
 

R109.3​

It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
 
Mr. Inspector said:
R408.4 Access. Access shall be provided to all under-floor spaces.
Without a ladder access is denied. As an inspector I am required to use an OSHA ladder.
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mtlogcabin said:
I would bet your HR department might have a concern about how you get into and out of a crawlspace. (potential employee injuries) Ask for their input/policy.
It is a confined space and an employee might not have the physical strength to get out of a 4 foot deep crawlspace especially if they might be vertically challenged or injured while in the crawlspace.
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I have a collapsable/adjustable ladder in my truck for just these sorts of things.

On the OP, I'm assuming there are requirements for minimal space/openings into the crawlspace? There are such requirements in Canadian Codes.
 
Back when I did inspections, our approach to this is that if I need into a space, the contractor must provide suitable and safe access.

We had more than one complaint about refusal to use a ladder that was not acceptable.

Contractor: There is nothing wrong with this ladder! We used it all through the construction carrying materials up and down.
Us: OK. Lets get workplace health and safety out here to look at it then. If they say it's good, we will use it <I pull by cellphone out and start dialing>
The ladder: Made out of 2 literal logs (bark included) with 2x4s nailed at inconsistent intervals.
Contractor: Well, hold on now. If it will make you happy, we will go out and buy a new ladder.
 
We carry our own ladders. If I don't like yours I use mine. If mine is to small or tall, you provide me with safe access. I'm not shy about telling them I won't use there beat up crap. We carry ladders so they don't have to be at every inspection. Especially roofs. It allows me to do them when I can squeeze them in.
 
IG, I think you got the answer but... I wonder why an access under the floor is "not less than 18"x24" and the perimeter opening through a wall not less than 16"x24" and the attic access is not less than 22"x30", what's with all these different measurements? Do firefighters have anything to do with it or is it fire testing?

Just wondering, I have to get this right, it may be on an exam?
 
A BIG THANKS to all of you who responded. Your comments helped to show the need for a carefully worded policy that is both practical and legal, if it is to be effective and successful.
 
I posted those pictures at another thread years ago. mtlogcabin remarked that I had to climb the ladder to get the second picture. IMG_1449.JPG

IMG_0024.JPG

IMG_4546.JPG
 
SCBO1 said:
IG, I think you got the answer but... I wonder why an access under the floor is "not less than 18"x24" and the perimeter opening through a wall not less than 16"x24" and the attic access is not less than 22"x30", what's with all these different measurements? Do firefighters have anything to do with it or is it fire testing?

Just wondering, I have to get this right, it may be on an exam?
Click to expand...
The Builders have provided only one outside access opening in a the 18 homes so far. They like to keep access to the crawl space difficult.
 
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