Question: “What is the minimum weight capacity allowed for a portable ladder in general industry?”

Answer: Wood, or metal? In relation to portable metal ladders, the 1910.26 standard does state that…

1910.26(c)(3)(ii)

Portable ladders are designed as a one-man working ladder based on a 200-pound load.

1910.25, covering portable wood ladders, makes no mention load capacity.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) does specify maximum load capacity for wood and metal ladders by rating, type and load:

Wood

Duty Rating	Ladder Type	(Pounds)
Extra Heavy-Duty	IA	300
Heavy- Duty	I	250
Medium-Duty	II	225
Light-Duty	III	200

Metal

Duty Rating	Ladder Type	(Pounds)
Special Duty	IAA	375
Extra Heavy-Duty	IA	300
Heavy- Duty	I	250
Medium-Duty	II	225
Light-Duty	III	200

There is no general industry guidance from OSHA for these “Walking-Working Surfaces” for minimum capacity.

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