Abstract: An improved safety shield for permanent ladders of the type having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs permanently secured to a support structure such as storage tanks, smoke stacks, television towers, tall buildings, bins and silos, the shield includes a front plate having two longitudinal side edges, a pair of side flanges, each of which extends rearwardly and outwardly from one of the side edges in angular relationship thereto. A hinge means connects a first of the side flanges and the front plate along juxtaposed side edges and at least one support bracket connects the first side flange to the ladder. The front plate has an opening and is movable between a first open position and a second closed position wherein the front plate, side flanges, and supporting structure substantially enclose the ladder to prevent unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A shield having a front plate and a pair of side flanges extending rearwardly and outwardly therefrom to a point substantially adjacent a supporting wall or beam substantially encases the ladder and prevents unauthorized use of the ladder. The length of the shield may be considerably reduced by attaching the shield to the ladder at a point above the ground. The front plate is hingedly attached to one of the side flanges and a locking device adjustably mounted on the rungs of the ladder secures the front plate in closed relationship to the face thereof.