OSHA Subpart D (Walking-Working Surfaces) standard is phasing out the use of cages  for fall protection on fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level. The phase out of ladder wells and cages over the next 20 years per OSHA 1910.28 (b)(9)(i).   Important dates:

• Caged, fixed ladders erected before November 19, 2018: Employers have up to 20 years to install ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D);
•  New fixed ladders erected on or after November 19, 2018 Employers must equip the ladder with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B);
•  Ladder repairs and replacements: When replacing any portion of a fixed ladder, the replacement must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C);
• On or after November 18, 2036: All fixed ladders must be equipped with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D)

Jon