Ladder access system and method for using same

A ladder access system, comprising:

• a base having at least four sides, wherein a first side is opposite a second side and a third side is opposite a fourth side;
• a clamp mechanism mounted on and beneath the first side of the base, the clamp mechanism comprising:
• two generally parallel rails defining a mounting surface therebetween, and
• a biasing device for moving to or from one of the rails;
• a first side rail disposed on the third side of the base;
• a second side rail disposed on the fourth side of the base;
• a pair of generally vertical posts extending from the third side of the base;
• a pair of generally vertical posts extending from the fourth side of the base;
• a first generally horizontal top post coupled to and extending between the generally vertical posts on the third side of the base;
• a second generally horizontal top post coupled to and extending between the generally vertical posts on the fourth side of the base;
• a midrail disposed between the base and each top post, wherein the midrails and the top posts are generally parallel;
• a gate disposed adjacent the second side of the base and mounted on one of the generally vertical posts distal from the clamp, the gate configured to control access to and from the base;
• a grated floor disposed on the base;
• a ladder support arm mounted to and extending from the first or second generally horizontal top post adjacent the first side of the base, wherein the ladder support arm is substantially orthogonal to the parallel rails of the clamp mechanism and is at a height of about 0.9 meters or more above the base, wherein the ladder support arm is an elongated member that telescopically slides in and out of one of the first or second generally horizontal top posts;
• and
• a stop disposed on an end of the ladder support arm, the stop being configured to prevent a ladder from sliding off the ladder support.