How To Ensure Safety from a Ships Ladder Design

Posted on by

A ladder is a handy tool that enables you to reach a location set at a considerable. From accessing difficult-to-reach places and ensuring storage of utilities and objects, you would soon be able to feel the problems when you have to do without a ladder. Sure, there are fixed ladders to consider but you may want to check out the ships ladder design when you are eager to source one that can easily fit into narrow areas. Used in watercraft including ships boats, and yachts primarily, the humble ship’s ladder has come a long way from the time it first gained popularity.   

You would be intrigued to learn that such ladders are believed to be hybrid equipment. Defined as a cross between a conventional ladder and stairs, the ladder widely used in the maritime industry is also termed as a ship’s stairs today. Climbing it to reach tiny spaces such as engine rooms and the deck of a ship without compromising the passengers makes the placement of the ships ladder essential. 

Using a heavy metal ladder is a strict no-no when you want to ensure flexibility as well. Make sure to settle for the lightweight aluminum that can be easily moved when you want to reposition it. Alternatively, hold it steady by installing it as a permanent fixture by making use of brackets. The fiberglass ladder is yet another option worth considering but you may have to shell out more money that could well exceed your budgetary restriction. 

Apart from being a convenient addition to your watercraft, the design of the ladder should meet OSHA specifications perfectly too. You would be able to check the requirements by going through the 29 CFR section of 1910.25. You will be able to find the right information below section. You would be interested to learn that ships ladders are referred to as ship stairs by “Occupational Safety and Health Administration.”

OSHA Guidelines

Some of the points that are important to comply with include:

  • The measurements should meet the general requirements mentioned in section 1910.25. Guardrails and handrails should be of the right dimensions. 
  • A vertical clearance of 6 to 8 inches is necessary
  • The treads/rises need to be placed uniformly
  • One can safely load five times the anticipated live load on the ladder at a time
  • The point load should not be less than 1000 pounds 
  • An incline of 50 to 70 degrees is permitted 
  • The space between two adjacent stairs/steps should be between 6.5 inches and 12 inches. The “International Maritime organization (IBC)” specifies 9 inches as the minimum riser height for the first three steps. 
  • The minimum depth of the tread allowed is 4 inches. The IBC code is 5 inches

You must make sure to note the safety standards before finalizing a ships ladder design. It would be easier to place an order for the right product by contacting a reputed company known for its quality.