(a) Each vertical ladder must have rungs that are—

(1) At least 41 centimeters (16 inches) in length;

(2) Not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart, uniform for the length of the ladder; and

(3) At least 18 centimeters (7 inches) from the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder.

(b) Except when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, there must be at least 11.5 centimeters (41⁄2 inches) clearance above each rung.

(c) Except as provided in §108.540(h)(3)(ii), each exterior vertical ladder more than 6 meters (20 ft.) in length must be fitted with a cage or ladder safety device meeting ANSI Standard 14.3 (1974) for fixed ladders.

(d) No vertical fixed ladders may be made of wood.

[CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56808, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by USCG-2002-13058, 67 FR 61279, Sept. 30, 2002]