1 Sloping structures are structures that are sloped
by 5 or more degrees from horizontal plane when a ship is in an upright
position at even-keel.
2 Guard rails should be fitted on the open side
and should be at least 1,000 mm in height. For stand-alone passageways
guard rails should be fitted on both sides of these structures. Guardrail
stanchions are to be attached to the PMA. The distance between the
passageway and the intermediate bar and the distance between the intermediate
bar and the top rail should not be more than 500 mm.
3 Discontinuous top handrails are allowed, provided
the gap does not exceed 50 mm. The same maximum gap is to be considered
between the top handrail and other structural members (i.e. bulkhead,
web frame, etc.). The maximum distance between the adjacent stanchions
across the handrail gaps is to be 350 mm where the top and mid handrails
are not connected together and 550 mm when they are connected together.
The maximum distance between the stanchion and other structural members
is not to exceed 200 mm where the top and mid handrails are not connected
together and 300 mm when they are connected together. When the top
and mid handrails are connected by a bent rail, the outside radius
of the bent part is not to exceed 100 mm (see figure below).
4 Non-skid construction is such that the surface
on which personnel walks provides sufficient friction to the sole
of boots even if the surface is wet and covered with thin sediment.
5 "Substantial construction" is taken to refer
to the as designed strength as well as the residual strength during
the service life of the vessel. Durability of passageways together
with guard rails should be ensured by the initial corrosion protection
and inspection and maintenance during services.
6 For guard rails, use of alternative materials
such as GRP should be subject to compatibility with the liquid carried
in the tank. Non-fire resistant materials should not be used for means
of access to a space with a view to securing an escape route at a
high temperature.
7 Requirements for resting platforms placed between
ladders should be equivalent to those applicable to elevated passageways.