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Two stepladders sit side by side in a shop. One costs half as much. The sticker on the leg is the difference.
OSHA, the US workplace safety agency, publishes a fact sheet on stepladders for construction employers. It is written for workplaces and is not a rule for your home garage, but it is a clear model for choosing a ladder. This guide is for anyone buying a stepladder who wants to know what the label means.
Quick answer
- OSHA's fact sheet lists five stepladder duty types: 1AA (375 lbs), 1A (300), 1 (250), II (225) and III (200).
- The load figure is your weight plus everything you carry.
- Check the ladder for damage before every use, and follow the maker's labels.
The duty types, as printed
| Type | Duty | Use | Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1AA | Special duty | Rugged | 375 lbs |
| 1A | Extra heavy duty | Industrial | 300 lbs |
| 1 | Heavy duty | Industrial | 250 lbs |
| II | Medium duty | Commercial | 225 lbs |
| III | Light duty | Household | 200 lbs |
The fact sheet says the Type 1A, 1, II and III figures come from the ANSI ladder standard referred to in OSHA's construction rules, and that the Type 1AA figure comes from a 2009 edition, which it describes as non-mandatory guidelines.
How to count the load
OSHA says to consider your weight plus the weight of your load, always including all tools, materials and equipment, and not to exceed the load rating. It adds that employers should use a ladder that can sustain at least four times the maximum intended load (3.3 times for an extra-heavy-duty Type 1A metal or plastic ladder), and to follow the manufacturer's instructions and labels.
What to check on any ladder
OSHA says a competent person should inspect stepladders for visible defects periodically and after any event that could affect safe use. Defects include structural damage, split or bent side rails, broken or missing rungs, steps or cleats, missing or damaged safety devices, grease, dirt or other contaminants that could cause slips, and paint or stickers (other than warning or safety labels) that could hide possible defects.
Common hazards
OSHA lists: a damaged stepladder; a slippery or unstable surface; unlocked spreaders; standing on the top step or top cap; loading beyond the rated load; a high-traffic location; reaching outside the side rails; and being close to electrical wiring or equipment.
Do and do not
OSHA's do list: read and follow the maker's instructions and labels; look for overhead power lines; keep 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand); stay near the middle of the ladder and face it while climbing; keep it free of slippery materials; and put it only on a stable, level, non-slippery surface. Its do-not list includes: use a folded stepladder as a single ladder, use it with the spreaders unlocked, use the top step or cap as a step, place it on boxes or barrels, move it with a person or equipment on it, use the rear cross bracing for climbing, paint it with opaque coatings, leave tools on it, use it horizontally like a platform, and use a metal stepladder near power lines or electrical equipment.
We did not cover UK or EU ladder rules.
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Last checked: 21 October 2026. General information, not legal, medical or financial advice. Sources: OSHA, Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Stepladders (OSHA 3662) (undated; the file's metadata shows a 2021 edit, which is not a confirmed publication date; read 21 October 2026).
