To protect the worker exiting a ladder osha requires a 42 inch high grab bar extension above the access level or landing platform at the top of the ladder.
Roof access ladder requirements.
Note the bottom of the cage must be between 7 feet and 8 feet above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder.
Side rails of through or side step fixed ladders must extend 42 inches 1 1 m above the top level or landing platform served by the ladder.
This is a code requirement to aid the ladder user in climbing the ladder.
Parapet ladders must have an access level at the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through it.
Here are the basics of the requirements.
The regulations say that if a fixed ladder is taller than 20 feet you are required to have a cage which meets all the requirements of 29 cfr 1910 27 d.
In this case the architect would not provide anything.
Here s an osha booklet on stairs and ladders.
The requirement for a cage comes when you have a fixed ladder longer than 20 feet.
Roof access roof return exterior roof.
If the parapet is continuous the access level is the top of the parapet.
Per osha 1910 23 d 4 the side rails of through or sidestep ladders must extend 42 inches above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder.
That s where ladder cages come in.
Also note the flaring dimensions of the enclosure at the lower end of the cage.
For parapet ladders the access level is.