Do portable ladders used as means of access to ascend and descend to a work location require fall protection?

Portable ladders, when used as a means of access to ascend and descend to a work location, do not require fall protection under specific circumstances. According to the guidelines and standards outlined in EM 385, fall protection is not mandated when the ladder is used for short, controlled access, typically when the height is 6 feet or less from which a person might fall. The rationale here is based on the idea that the ascent and descent using a ladder between a height of 6 feet does not pose the same level of risk associated with higher elevations.

Factors such as the stability of the ladder, the presence of a handhold, and the ability of the worker to maintain three points of contact while using the ladder contribute to reducing the likelihood of falls, making additional fall protection unnecessary in these situations. It is essential, however, for workers to be trained and aware of the correct use and limitations of ladders to ensure safety.

In contrast, fall protection becomes more critical at heights greater than 6 feet where the risk of serious injury from a fall increases, thereby clarifying why other answers may not be applicable regarding safety protocols for ladder usage.