This standard shall apply to the construction and use of wire rope ladders in the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry includes, but is not strictly limited to, musical productions, live concerts, live theater, film production, video production, corporate events, trade shows, and broadcast production.

Wire rope ladders are distinguished from other ladders by having flexible rails, and are used in applications where ladders with rigid rails are impractical to use, or where a rigid ladder would pose a greater danger to the user or other workers in the area. Wire rope ladders are used for vertical access by personnel to lighting trusses, temporary follow spot platforms, and other areas of a temporary nature. Such areas cannot be practically served by rigid ladders because the floor underneath is not level or clear, the elevated work area is not rigidly fixed in place, or the ladder must coil for storage or to allow clear access beneath the elevated work area.

Use of wire rope ladders conforming to this standard shall be restricted in use to one person at a time.

This standard does not address the construction or use of fixed or portable ladders with rigid rails.

Purpose

This standard is designed to:

(a) prevent most injuries and to minimize the remaining injuries to workers by prescribing safety requirements;

(b) provide direction to owners, employers, and any other individuals such as supervisors who are responsible for wire rope ladders; and

(c) guide governments and other regulatory bodies in the development and enforcement of the appropriate safety directives concerning wire rope ladders in entertainment venues.