ALI is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved developer of safety standards for the ladder industry. Standards are technical specifications which prescribe rules governing the safe construction, design, testing, care and use of various types of ladders. Standards are developed on a 5-year renewal cycle; Subcommittees exist for each standard which are comprised of industry experts. Conformance to ALI standards is voluntary; ALI does not approve or endorse any product.

Current Standards

• A14.1 - Portable Wood Ladders - 2018
• A14.1 Errata
• A14.2 - Portable Metal Ladders - 2017
• A14.3 - Fixed Ladders - 2008
• A14.4 - Job Made Ladders - 2018
• A14.5 - Reinforced Plastic Ladders - 2017
• A14.7 - Rolling Ladders - 2011 (This standard was administratively withdrawn in January 2022.)
• A14.8 - Requirements for Ladder Accessories - 2020 (NEW)
• A14.9 - Disappearing Attic Stairways - 2019
• A14.11 - Stepstools - 2018 
  

ALI Standards are available for purchase as PDFs. For printed versions or licensing, please visit one of ALI's partner distributors. 

• American National Standards Institute
• IHS Global
• Thomson Reuters - Techstreet
• SAI Global

Earlier standard editions are available by contacting the American Ladder Institute at (216) 241-7333

A14 Committee

The Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A14 assumes the responsibility for developing the Standards which govern design, construction, testing, selection, care, and safe use of ladders. Seven Standards are currently developed by the A14 Committee, and are sold to manufacturers, contractors, governmental agencies and those in the legal profession. Subcommittees exist for each standard, headed by a Chair and comprised of subject experts; standards are revised on a five-year cycle.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the creation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in many sectors, including construction equipment, agriculture, sound devices, and energy distribution. A non-profit organization headquartered in NYC, ANSI also supports accrediting programs that assess conformity to voluntary standards, both nationally and internationally.

Comment Form or Request for Interpretation

Any question, comment or request for interpretation of an ASC – A14 Standard may be directed to the ALI through use of the comment form. Please fill out the form and fax to (216) 241-0105 or email to info@americanladderinstitute.org. The appropriate Subcommittee members will be contacted for a response.. Please allow up to 60 days for an Interpretation. 

Click here to fill out a Comment/Question Form

Click here to submit a Request for Interpretation

Letters of Interpretation

Click here if you would like to view letters of interpretation for a specific standard. 

Definitions

Access the definitions and nomenclature link for a list of commonly used industry terms.

Click here to view the definitions and nomenclature

Errata

Errata sheets will be issued if an error in printing is discovered followed the release of a revised standard. Notices of corrections will be posted on our website with access to the correction. Standards purchased after the issue date of the errata shall include this information.