2.7 Paragraph 3.6
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1464/Rev.1 - Unified Interpretations of SOLAS Chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance Standards - Annex - 2 Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78)) - 2.7 Paragraph 3.6

2.7 Paragraph 3.6

Parent topic: 2 Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78))

Interpretation

  1 The vertical height of handrails should not be less than 890 mm from the centre of the step and two course handrails need only be provided where the gap between the stringer and the top handrail is greater than 500 mm.

  2 The requirement of two square bars for treads specified in TP, paragraph 3.6, is based upon the specification of the construction of ladders in paragraph 3(e) of annex 1 to resolution A.272(VIII), which addresses inclined ladders. TP, paragraph 3.4, allows for single rungs fitted to vertical surfaces, which is considered a safe grip. For vertical ladders, when steel is used, the rungs should be formed of single square bars of not less than 22 mm by 22 mm for the sake of safe grip.

  3 The width of inclined ladders for access to a cargo hold should be at least 450 mm to comply with the Australian AMSA Marine Orders part 32, appendix 17.

  4 The width of inclined ladders other than an access to a cargo hold should be not less than 400 mm.

  5 The minimum width of vertical ladders should be 350 mm and the vertical distance between the rungs should be equal and should be between 250 mm and 350 mm.

  6 A minimum climbing clearance in width should be 600 mm other than the ladders placed between the hold frames.

  7 The vertical ladders should be secured at intervals not exceeding 2.5 m apart to prevent vibration.

Technical background

  1 TP, paragraph 3.6, is a continuation of TP, paragraph 3.5, which addresses inclined ladders. Interpretations for vertical ladders are needed based upon the current standards of IMO, AMSA or the industry.

  2 Interpretations 2 and 5 address vertical ladders based upon the current standards.

  3 Double square bars for treads become too large for a grip for vertical ladders and single rungs facilitate a safe grip.

  4 Interpretation 7 is introduced consistently with the requirement and the interpretation of TP, paragraph 3.4.

Reference

  1 Annex 1 to resolution A.272(VIII).

  2 Australian AMSA Marine Orders part 32, appendix 17.

  3 ILO Code of Practice "Safety and Health in Dockwork" – section 3.6, Access to Ship's Holds.

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