I noticed that there is a UL sticker on my old 4-ft aluminum step ladder that says UL Listed Metal Ladder followed by some wording about it being electrical conductive, but unfortunately it is too worn to read or get the actual number of the UL standard off it. I also wasn’t able to find anything on the UL website.
The only OSHA rule I could locate regarding conductive ladders was when there are used on or near energized parts. So don’t know if it applies per say.
Section 1910.333(c) -- Working on or near Exposed Energized Parts
1910.333(c)(7) -- Portable Ladders. Portable ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized parts.
The ANSI A14.2-2000 standard for metal ladders doesn’t have any reference to using them around electrical hazards that I could see.
I found this interesting link from NIOSH though. There are some examples of avoidable fatalities from metal ladders contacting overhead electrical lines:
NIOSH Here is some info I found on fiberglass ladders.
Fiberglass Ladders
OSHA does not address fiberglass ladders. ANSI does have guidelines to follow when choosing ladders constructed of fiberglass. According to ANSI 14.5 2000, fiberglass ladders should be made out of good commercial grade thermosetting polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers. The following selections need to be considered and followed:
electrical
corrosion resistnace
outdoor weathering
thermal conditions
structural integrity
ANSI Standards and ANSI A14.5-2000 for reinforced plastic ladders. These standards detail specifications on the various materials, construction requirements, test requirements, usage guidelines and labeling/marking requirements for portable ladders.
