EEMUA PUBLICATION 105 SEVENTH EDITION FACTORY STAIRWAYS, LADDERS AND HANDRAILS

T H E E N G I N E E R I N G E Q U I P M E N T A N D M AT E R I A L S U S E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails including Access Platforms and Ramps

EEMUA Publication 105

Seventh Edition

THE ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USERS' ASSOCIATION

Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails including Access Platforms and Ramps

PUBLICATION No 105 Edition 7

Released by IHS. Not for resale.

THE ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USERS' ASSOCIATION

Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails including Access Platforms and Ramps

PUBLICATION 105 Edition 7

Copyright © 2007 The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England. Company number 477838. ISBN 0 85931 154 6 Imprint reference 08-2007 Registered and Trading Address 10-12 Lovat Lane London EC3R 8DN Telephone: +44 (0)20 7621 0011 Fax: +44 (0)20 7621 0022 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eemua.org

EEMUA Publication 105 - Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USERS' ASSOCIATION The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association, more commonly known as EEMUA, is a European based, non-profit distributing, industry Association run for the benefit of companies that own or operate industrial facilities. EEMUA aims to improve the safety, environmental and operating performance of industrial facilities in the most cost-effective way. EEMUA Members pursue these aims by sharing engineering experiences and expertise, and by the promotion of their distinct interests as the users of engineering products. More specifically, the aims of EEMUA Member companies are achieved by: • providing the organisation within which networking, information sharing and collaboration on non-competitive technical matters can take place; • influencing the way written regulations are interpreted and applied in practice; • presenting and promoting Members' views, and encouraging the application of good, sound engineering practices; • developing and publishing user guides, specifications and training materials; • facilitating Members' participation in national and international standards making; • influencing relevant national and European legislation and regulations. Formed in 1949 as the Engineering Equipment Users Association, and re-named in 1983 (as a result of taking over the materials association, OCMA), EEMUA has for more than fifty years given companies that own and operate process plants, power stations and other significant industrial facilities, a collaborative voice in addressing technical and engineering related issues that impact on good integrity management and asset management practices. The Association is open to companies of all sizes that meet the 'engineering user' criteria. A list of current Members of EEMUA is maintained on the Association's website at www.eemua.co.uk/about.htm. EEMUA activities often lead to the production of publications. These are prepared primarily for Members' use, but may be offered for sale as well. A list of EEMUA publications for sale is given at the end of this Publication. The full list is also on the Association's website at www.eemua.co.uk/acatalog/shop.html, together with on-line shopping facilities. To enquire about corporate Membership, write to [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7621 0011.

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION Legal Aspects All rights, title and interest in this Publication shall belong to EEMUA. All rights are reserved. No part of this Publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or other, without the express prior written agreement of the EEMUA Executive Director. Infringement of copyright is not only illegal, but also reduces the Association's income thereby jeopardising its ability to fund the production of future publications. It has been assumed in the preparation of this Publication that: the user will ensure selection of those parts of its contents appropriate to the intended application; and that such selection and application will be correctly carried out by appropriately qualified and competent persons for whose guidance this Publication has been prepared. EEMUA does not, and indeed cannot, make any representation or give any warranty or guarantee in connection with material contained in its publications, and expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for damage or loss resulting from their use. Any recommendations contained herein are based on the most authoritative information available at the time of writing and on current good engineering practice, but it is essential for the user to take account of pertinent subsequent developments and/or legislation. Any person who encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity when making use of this Publication is asked to notify EEMUA without delay so that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Consultation and Feedback EEMUA encourages constructive comments on this Publication from both Members of the Association and others. Comments should be sent on the standard feedback form, a copy of which is provided towards the end of this Publication. An electronic version of the form is available from EEMUA - e-mail your request for a copy to [email protected], telephone your request to +44 (0)20 7621 0011, or download the form from the EEMUA website at www.eemua.org. Submit comments by e-mail (preferred) or post. Comments will be considered by the relevant EEMUA Technical Committees and may be incorporated in future editions of this Publication. New editions will be publicised on the EEMUA website.

Printed and bound by CPI Antony Rowe, Eastbourne

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EEMUA Publication 105 - Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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Contents Foreword.................................................................................................. 1 1. Scope .................................................................................................. 3 2. Regulations and Codes ........................................................................ 5 2.1 Regulations and Standards ..................................................................5 2.2 Standards .........................................................................................5 2.3 Building Regulations ...........................................................................5 3. General................................................................................................ 9 3.1 Basic Design .....................................................................................9 3.2 Design Method for Factory Stairs........................................................ 11 3.3 Steel Stairs ..................................................................................... 11 3.4 Concrete Stairs................................................................................ 12 3.5 Timber Stairs .................................................................................. 12 3.6 Loading .......................................................................................... 12 3.6.1 Loading for Stairs ....................................................................... 12 3.6.2 Loadings for Platforms and Walkways ............................................ 13 3.6.3 Horizontal Loads on Parapets and Handrails ................................... 13 4. Factory Stairways.............................................................................. 15 4.1 General .......................................................................................... 15 4.2 Clear Width..................................................................................... 15 4.3 Pitch .............................................................................................. 15 4.4 Steps ............................................................................................. 15 4.5 Treads............................................................................................ 16 4.6 Risers ............................................................................................ 16 4.7 Stringers ........................................................................................ 17 4.8 Landings......................................................................................... 17 4.9 Gates and Doors opening on to Stairways............................................ 17 4.10 Toe or Kicking Plates ...................................................................... 18 4.11 Balustrades and Handrails ............................................................... 18 4.12 Headroom ..................................................................................... 18 4.13 Design.......................................................................................... 18 4.14 Exposed Stairways ......................................................................... 19 5. Fixed Ladders .................................................................................... 21 5.1 General .......................................................................................... 21 5.2 Landing Gates, Chains or other Barriers .............................................. 21 5.3 Width............................................................................................. 21 5.4 Pitch .............................................................................................. 21 5.5 Stringers ........................................................................................ 21 5.6 Rungs ............................................................................................ 22 5.7 Clearances ...................................................................................... 22 5.8 Safety Equipment ............................................................................ 23 6. Steel Companion-Way Ladders .......................................................... 25 6.1 General .......................................................................................... 25 6.2 Height ............................................................................................ 25 6.3 Width............................................................................................. 25 6.4 Pitch .............................................................................................. 25 6.5 Stringers ........................................................................................ 25 6.6 Treads............................................................................................ 25 6.7 Handrails ........................................................................................ 25 6.8 Clearance ....................................................................................... 26 7. Ramps ............................................................................................... 27 7.1 General .......................................................................................... 27 7.2 Curbs and Guardrails........................................................................ 27 7.3 Surfacing ........................................................................................ 27 7.4 Steel Ramps.................................................................................... 27 7.5 Stepped Ramps ............................................................................... 27 v

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8. Platforms and Walkways ................................................................... 29 8.1 General .......................................................................................... 29 8.2 Width............................................................................................. 29 8.3 Headroom....................................................................................... 29 8.4 Toe Plates (Kicking Plates) ................................................................ 29 8.5 Flooring.......................................................................................... 30 8.6 Handrails ........................................................................................ 30 8.7 Fixings ........................................................................................... 30 8.8 Vertical Loads and Deflections ........................................................... 30 9. Fire Escapes ...................................................................................... 33 9.1 General .......................................................................................... 33 9.2 Statutory Requirements .................................................................... 33 10. Handrails and Balustrades and Barriers .......................................... 35 10.1 General ........................................................................................ 35 10.2 Loading ........................................................................................ 36 10.3 Handrail Standards......................................................................... 36 10.4 Handrails ...................................................................................... 38 10.5 Balustrades and Panic Barriers ......................................................... 39 10.6 Materials and Finishes..................................................................... 39 10.7 Safety and Self Closing Gates .......................................................... 39 11. Ladders for Access to High Structures............................................. 41 11.1 General ........................................................................................ 41 11.2 Materials....................................................................................... 41 11.2.1 General ................................................................................... 41 11.2.2 Connections ............................................................................. 42 11.3 Stiles............................................................................................ 42 11.3.1 Steel....................................................................................... 42 11.3.2 Materials other than Steel and Ladder Loading .............................. 42 11.3.3 Width between Stiles................................................................. 42 11.3.4 Stile Extensions........................................................................ 42 11.3.5 Jointing of Stiles ....................................................................... 42 11.3.6 Stile Fixing .............................................................................. 43 11.4 Rungs........................................................................................... 43 11.4.1 Spacing................................................................................... 43 11.4.2 Fixing to Stiles ......................................................................... 43 11.4.3 Loading ................................................................................... 43 11.4.4 Rung Material........................................................................... 43 11.5 Hoops and Fall Arrest Systems ......................................................... 44 11.6 Platforms ...................................................................................... 44 11.6.1 Spacing or Height between Platforms........................................... 44 11.6.2 Rest Platforms.......................................................................... 44 11.6.3 Work Platforms ........................................................................ 44 11.6.4 Obstructions at Head of Ladder................................................... 44 11.6.5 Ladder Line.............................................................................. 44 11.7 Finish ........................................................................................... 44 11.7.1 General ................................................................................... 44 11.7.2 Protection................................................................................ 45 Appendix A............................................................................................. 47 Appendix B ............................................................................................. 51 Figures ................................................................................................... 53 EEMUA Publication: Feedback Form ....................................................... 79

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Figures Figure 1 Pitch range of the various means of access between levels ................ 53 Figure 2 Pitch and proportions for ladders, companion-way ladders, stairways and ramps ............................................................................................... 54 Figure 3 Concrete stairs ............................................................................ 55 Figure 4 General arrangement of steel stairway with straight landing............... 56 Figure 5 General arrangement of steel stairway with 180° landing .................. 57 Figure 6 Study of feet positions to determine various stair details ................... 58 Figure 7 Tread set out .............................................................................. 59 Figure 8 Tread types ................................................................................ 59 Figure 9 Landing and stringer details .......................................................... 60 Figure 10 Stringer base details................................................................... 61 Figure 11 Flat toe plate details ................................................................... 61 Figure 12 Stairs, ladders and companion-way ladders (EEMUA 105 Recommendations) ............................................................................. 62 Figure 13 Hoop dimensions ....................................................................... 63 Figure 14 General arrangement of ladder fitted with safety hoops ................... 64 Figure 15 Ladder details............................................................................ 65 Figure 15 Ladder details (continued) ........................................................... 67 Figure 16 Top rung alternatives.................................................................. 67 Figure 17 Ladder access to platform through floor......................................... 67 Figure 18 Raised handrail or three quarter cage for narrow landings ................ 68 Figure 19 General arrangement of steel companion-way ladder ...................... 69 Figure 20 Ramps...................................................................................... 70 Figure 21 Typical fire escape staircase ........................................................ 71 Figure 22 Handrail layout .......................................................................... 72 Figure 23 Handrails - basic dimensions and jointing details ............................ 73 Figure 24 Handrail standards ..................................................................... 74 Figure 25 Attachment of handrail standards ................................................. 75 Figure 26 Balustrade arrangements ............................................................ 76 Figure 27 Safety gate ............................................................................... 77

Tables Table 1 Factors affecting choice of means of access or escape ........................ 10 Table 2 Structural materials....................................................................... 10 Table 3 Industrial occupancy class (workshops and factories) ......................... 13 Table 4 Platform and walkway loadings ....................................................... 13 Table 5 Horizontal loads on parapets and handrails ....................................... 14 Table 6 Stairway loadings.......................................................................... 18 Table 7 Platform and walkway floor loads .................................................... 31 Table 8 Lateral loads for handrails, industrial use.......................................... 36 Table 9 Medium duty handrail standards 0.36 kN/m, minimum base width 65 mm, minimum bolt size 16 mm ............................................................ 37 Table 10 Heavy duty handrail standards 0.74 kN/m, minimum base width 75 mm, minimum bolt size 20 mm, three or four bolts preferred........................... 38 Table 11 Aluminium alloys......................................................................... 41 Table 12 Slip resistance of floor and tread finishes ........................................ 47 Table 13 Optimum dimensions for stairways incorporating Building Regulations Document K....................................................................................... 48 Table 13 (continued) Optimum dimensions for stairways incorporating Building Regulations Document K...................................................................... 49

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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Foreword This Publication gives recommendations and typical details for the design and general construction of factory stairways, ladders, access platforms, ramps and handrails. It is primarily intended for use by engineers and architects responsible for the preparation of detail drawings for the construction and installation of this ancillary equipment. Its scope is confined to design and construction of such equipment and does not address the issues of maintenance, inspection and the like. Users of factory stairways and related equipment will find this Publication useful when preparing and formulating specifications for purchasing such equipment from manufacturers, or in discussions with consulting engineers and architects.

Notes for Users of this Publication This Publication refers throughout to British and European Standards and the Building Regulations of England & Wales. Standards are prepared to ensure that only proven techniques are used and that materials employed are suitable for the purpose. Through the adoption and use of standards, the requirements for essential safety should be met. The use of standards is not a requirement in UK law, unlike in some other countries in Europe. However it is stressed that, where a contract is placed which states that manufacture is to be in accordance with specified standards, then this may be determined as a legal requirement. Manufacturers or suppliers of equipment may offer equipment not conforming to standards, but, in such cases, they should have to be able to prove that all legislation concerning essential safety has been complied with. This could be a time consuming and expensive task. Designers may, from time to time, find difficulty in designing stairways and associated landings to fit into existing buildings. Minor deviations from the standards may be unavoidable in such cases. Any such deviations should be documented and approved by the Health and Safety Inspector prior to manufacture. With continual improvement in materials and rationalisation of product ranges, it may not always be possible to obtain a type or quality of material that was available when this Publication was revised. Also from time to time revisions to standards, particularly for steels, may amend the range of qualities available. Manufacturers or stockists should be consulted for the appropriate or acceptable alternative. This is of particular importance where steel is to be fabricated or welded. Purchasers of this Publication should satisfy themselves that the sections of this Publication they are using are relevant to the application being considered, that they are correctly applied and that, to the best of their knowledge, no legislative changes have taken place affecting this Publication's content subsequent to the date of publication.

Seventh Edition This EEMUA Publication was first issued in 1954. Since that date new editions have been made to bring it into line with changing legislation, British and European Standards. This Seventh Edition has been issued to take into account a number of changes to related British Standards and the Building Regulations (England & Wales). Users

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are advised to check for any health and safety legislation applicable to their location. In particular, Scotland, Northern Ireland and other countries have separate building regulations which should be consulted when appropriate. In the preparation of this Edition, the format has been brought into line with other EEMUA publications and the sections and clauses of the earlier documents have been rearranged. Care should be taken when comparing clause numbers used in previous issues with those of this revised Edition. This Edition has been compiled with the assistance of EEMUA Member companies. Whilst it is appreciated that stairways for industrial plant are so varied that to offer recommendations to cover the wide range of possibilities is virtually impossible, the basic data given in 1954 has been a valuable contribution to safety in the workplace. Since then the subject matter has been extended and, with a few exceptions, now combines all-important data in the one volume. Consequently it is anticipated that this book will continue as an authoritative guide for architects and design engineers.

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1. Scope This Publication gives recommendations and typical details for the design and general construction of factory stairways, ladders, access platforms, ramps and handrails. It is primarily intended for use by engineers and architects responsible for the preparation of detail drawings for the construction and installation of this ancillary equipment. Its scope is confined to design and construction of such equipment and does not address the issues of maintenance, inspection and the like. The recommendations are specific to industrial applications. However there is nothing in these recommendations which precludes their adoption and use in the sometimes less onerous conditions applicable to low-rise office, shop and domestic situations. All construction should be in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and safety regulations. Reference to these should be made before a design is finally adopted. The materials used, as well as the design and workmanship, should also comply with the appropriate British and European standards. Special attention is drawn to Clause 4.3, Clause 5.4, Figure 1 and Figure 2, which specify the stairway and ladder slopes that are preferred for different types of access and different uses of stairways. Reference is also made to those angles which should not be used in view of the hazard they present. In order to satisfy the higher safety standards now required by BS 6399 Part 1 (1996) and the Building Regulations (2000) (England & Wales) the former three classes of steel handrail have been reduced to two, which should be carefully considered in relation to each specific application. Because of the very specialised nature of the materials or section dimensions needed to provide ladders and ancillary equipment suitable for steeplejack use, where loadings may be abnormal and possibly also under difficult atmospheric conditions, these ladders are excluded from this document. Where the constructor/user is also involved with scaffolding or prefabricated mobile access and working towers, reference should be made to one or other of the six parts of BS 1139 Metal scaffolding which considers the majority of related topics.

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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2. Regulations and Codes 2.1 Regulations and Standards The following Building Regulations, British Standards and Codes of Practice are relevant, or are referred to in this Publication. The Building Regulations 2000 (Building and Buildings England & Wales) (SI 2000/2531) Building Regulations Approved Document B - Fire Safety Building Regulations Approved Document K1 - Stairs, Ladders and Ramps

2.2 Standards BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS

5950 EN 10255:2004 4211:2005 EN 10210:2006

Structural use of steelwork in building (9 parts) Non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding or threading Specification for permanently fixed ladders Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain steels 4592-1:2006 Industrial type flooring and stair treads. Metal open bar gratings. Specification EN ISO 14122 Safety of machinery. Permanent means of access to machinery (4 parts) 5578-2:1978 Building construction - stairs. Modular co-ordination: specification for co-ordinating dimensions for stairs and stair openings 5588 Fire precautions in the design and construction and use of buildings (12 parts) 6150:2006 Painting of buildings. Code of Practice 6180:1999 Barriers in and about buildings. Code of Practice EN 10296-2:2005 Welded circular steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes. Technical delivery conditions. Stainless steel 6399-1:1996 Loadings for buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed loads 5395-1:2000 Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design, construction and maintenance of straight stairs and winders 5395-3:1985 Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design of industrial type stairs, permanent ladders and walkways EN 353 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height (2 parts)

2.3 Building Regulations The Building Regulations gives a Schedule of Requirement – A to N. All parts of this schedule are supported by an Approved Document which provides practical guidance. There is no obligation to adopt solutions contained in an Approved Document providing the relevant requirement is met in some other way. The Building Regulations were approved in 2000. Where stairs form a part of, or are attached to a building their design is controlled by Approved Document K1 of the 2000 Building Regulations.

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Where stairs are likely to be used as a means of escape, Section 5 of Approved Document B, Design for vertical escape for buildings other than dwellings, applies. See also Approved Document A for guidance on structures and loadings. The principal regulations and guidance for the design of stairs, platforms and handrails is given below, the reference numbers referring to the Approved Documents. A1 - 4.2

Dead and imposed loads should be calculated in accordance with BS 6399 Part 1.

B1 - Table 6

The clear width of stair to be not less than 800 mm when used by less than 50 persons and 1000 mm for up to 150 persons.

B1 - 5.19

Every escape stair and its associated landings should be constructed of materials having limited combustibility.

K1 - 1

Sections K1 - 1 to 1.6 give information on the design of stairs for different types of building. (Industrial stairs are dealt with in Section K 1.26.) Designers should refer to paragraphs 1.3(b) and Part 2 of Table 1 (rise and going) for stairs associated with places of assembly. Stairs leading to meeting rooms, canteens and conference rooms may also come under this heading.

K1 - 1.11

No absolute values for minimum stair widths are given, unless they form a means of escape. In this case Approved Document B Section 4 applies.

K1 - 1.12

Stairs wider than 1.8 m should be subdivided.

K1 - 1.13

The number of risers in any flight should be not more than 16.

K1 - 1.26

Stairs, ladders and walkways in industrial buildings should, as appropriate, be designed and constructed in accordance with BS 5395-3:1985 Stairs, ladders and walkways Part 3: Code of Practice for the design of industrial stairs, permanent ladders and walkways, or BS 4211:2005 Specification for permanently fixed ladders. For factories and warehouses, stairs and ramps should be guarded to a height of 900 mm and landings and edges of floors to a height of 1100 mm. Both should have a minimum strength of 0.36 kN/m, in accordance with Diagram 11 in Document K.

K1 - Table 1

Maximum rise should be 190 mm and minimum going 250 mm.

K3 - 3.1

Guarding should be provided where it is necessary for safety, at the edges of any part of a floor (including an opening window), gallery, balcony, roof (including roof lights and other openings), any other place to which people have access (unless only for maintenance or repair) and any light well, basement area or similar sunken area next to a building.

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General note regarding compatibility of the Building Regulations and factory stairways etc. The Building Regulations control the construction of buildings including access stairways. Items of process plant or equipment may be erected within or external to a building. They do not constitute a building and therefore are not subject to the Building Regulations. In order to ensure that the means provided to gain access to such equipment are safe, the British Standards listed have been developed. Wherever possible, the standards transpose the requirements of the Building Regulations to factory stairways, ladders and handrails, but there are instances where these are incompatible. In particular, the three categories given in the Building Regulations of 'Private', 'Other' and 'Institutional/Assembly' have no equivalence to the usual factory requirements. There are factory requirements for a stair equating to the steeper end of the 'Private' category for relatively infrequent use. Both BSI and EEMUA acknowledge and approve therefore the use of stairs at a pitch greater than 38° but not exceeding 42° for some applications.

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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3. General 3.1 Basic Design Basic factors for design purposes are given in each section of this Publication, but the general proportions and pitch (slope) for each type of access are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. An ideal staircase for general factory use has the following dimensions: Rise : 165 mm Going : 275 mm Pitch : 31° An easier stair, when Rise : Going : Pitch :

this is considered necessary for the use of the general public: 150 mm 300 mm 27°

Stairs to either of these dimensions will satisfy the Building Regulations and are the optimum dimensions given in BS 5395 for semi-public and public stairs respectively. They will also meet BS EN ISO 14122 which deals with access to machinery. They will be satisfactory for fire escapes and general factory use. A pitch of 38° is recommended as the maximum for general use. Where space is at a premium and the stairs will only be used occasionally, such as access stairs used for maintenance purposes by persons knowing the building layout, these will fall within the Building Regulations 'Private' category. In such cases, steeper stairs are possible having a pitch of up to 42°. Above this pitch stairs are considered too steep for the average person to descend with safety, facing forwards. A minimum pitch for straight stairs in factories should be 30°. It should be borne in mind when designing staircases and ladders for factory use that safety in descent is more important than ease in ascent. Any stair which is safe for a person to descend will be easy enough for the same person to ascend. Where there is insufficient room for a staircase, a companion-way ladder with handrail can be provided (to be descended backwards) with a pitch from 65° to 75°. From 75° upwards it becomes a ladder and a separate raised handrail is not required. Single rungs are acceptable in place of treads. A sloping ladder may be easier to use than a vertical ladder, which should be provided only when very occasional access is required and there is no space for anything better. When assessing the type of access or means of escape to be provided the designer should take into account all the factors listed in Table 1. The design characteristics should be uniform in any given installation. Materials should be selected in accordance with Table 2 and should be in accordance with the appropriate British or European Standard or Code of Practice. Where dissimilar materials are used in contact, they should be selected to minimise galvanic action (which may lead to corrosion), or differential movement. For further guidance on protection against corrosion see BS 6150.

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Table 1 Factors affecting choice of means of access or escape Factors to be Considered Height of building or storey height Plan area Convenience of use and safety Number of people Frequency of use

Extent of supervision and control Access for disabled Fire

Remarks Height governs the number of flights, rise, clearance and headroom. Plan area governs going and clear width. Helical and spiral stairs are not recommended for industrial use. Straight stairs give maximum convenience of use. Where loads are being carried regularly, stairs should be used rather than ladders. The number of people using the stairs governs their size and loading. Ladders should only be installed where occasional or infrequent access is required. A companion-way ladder should be used in place of a fixed ladder on rises of 3 m or less. Consider congestion at work break times.

See BS 8300 See BS 5588 Part 2 or BS 5588 Part 3 as appropriate

Table 2 Structural materials Material

Codes of practice

In situ concrete Precast concrete Aluminium

Other recommendations

British Standards Specifications

BS 8110 BS 8110 CP 118

Cast iron Copper alloys

Steel BS 5950 including Part 5 stainless steel

See fire safety recommendations in BS EN ISO 14122 Part 2. BS BS BS BS

EN EN EN EN

1561 1172 Aluminium bronze (grades CA101 to 12165 106 inclusive) or phosphor bronze 12163 (grades PB101 to 104 inclusive) should be used. BS 2S 149 See fire safety recommendations in BS 7668 BS EN ISO 14122 Part 1. For stainless steel external stairs, only austenitic grades should be used.

Plastics BS 6180 (see materials and Clause 11) laminated sheets Timber BS 5268 Part 2

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3.2 Design Method for Factory Stairs Practical experience suggests that a good stairway correlates the rise and going with the stride of a typical user, which lies between 550 mm and 700 mm. Thus if shallower steps are used a greater going is required, and the converse is true. Typically, a figure for rise multiplied by going is 50000. The Building Regulations use the formula: (2R + G) to be between 550 and 700. Design Method If the floor to floor height in metres is H, then for a typical rise of 200 mm (with 5 steps per metre) then: The number of rises, 'N', will be the next whole number above 5 x H The actual rise, 'R' in mm, will be floor height in mm (1000 H) divided by 'N' The total going, 'G', in mm, is 50000 (with a minimum of 250) R The total going of the stairs is (N-1) G The tangent of the angle of pitch (slope) 'S' is R G The design should be checked; one more rise for easier stairs and one less for steeper stairs. Example:

H = 1.7 N=9 R =189 G = 265 S = 35° 30'

Note: The foot placement should not be less than 260 mm in order to meet the needs of heavier boots/shoes worn in industry. This should exclude any radius on the front edge of a tread.

Checking for one less rise, N=8 R = 212 G = 50000 = 236 R 236 is less than the minimum specified. Using the minimum specified going of 250 mm will give an angle of 40° 30'. This would be suitable for access stairs but is too steep for general-purpose stairs where the maximum angle is 38°. This stairway also fails to meet the Building Regulations for stairs where the rise R should not exceed 190 mm.

3.3 Steel Stairs While it is usual and, in many cases convenient, to design staircases associated with factory plant and installations in steelwork, the general considerations of design given in this Publication are equally relevant to other materials, and these can have advantages in certain circumstances. Definitions of some common terms are given in Appendix B.

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3.4 Concrete Stairs Concrete has a much higher fire resistance than steel, which can collapse at relatively low fire temperatures. Concrete stairs, as detailed in Figure 3, are more permanent, require less maintenance, afford more grip and are generally safer than steel stairs. Steel stairs are more appropriate for temporary work and for use for plant installations and situations, which may require alteration within a few years. For permanent installations and within many parts of buildings, concrete stairs are to be preferred. Reinforced concrete can be cast in situ or pre-cast, or be a combination of the two. Cast in situ stairs normally span lengthwise from floor to floor, or from floor to landing. For practical and economic reasons, in situ stairs are always constructed in two operations; the basic structure is cast on rough form work and much later finished off by a screeding process to final, more exact, contours. A better finish is then obtained to more uniform dimensions, with pre-cast treads having any desired finish. The easiest way to form a concrete stair is to build pre-cast treads into supporting walls at both sides, but if this is not convenient or if an open effect is desired, pre-cast treads can be laid on a cast in situ carriage of rough steps spanning up the stairs. Plain concrete finishes are not particularly attractive and though various worked surfaces leading to a full marble or terrazzo finish are possible, they are expensive and not practical for stairs. A much cheaper solution for office or works stairs is to form a simple concrete stair, fit an aluminium nosing with a non-slip insert and surface the treads and risers with thermoplastic or vinyl tiles; the resulting staircase is practical, clean and attractive. Appendix A gives data on a number of common surface finishes that may be applied to stairs and landings. Note particularly the low slip resistance, when wet, of clay tiles and terrazzo.

3.5 Timber Stairs Timber stairs are not normally recommended for use in factories. However where timber stairs are permitted, a stair formed of 50 mm hardwood treads could have advantages over steel stairs under some circumstances. The Building Regulations require that stairways (including landings) should be constructed of materials of limited combustibility if they are: •

•

within a storey which comprises elements of structure for which the fire resistance should be 1 hour or more. This rule does not apply for any stairway in a building or compartment occupied as a shop, if the stairway is not within a protected shaft or, external and connecting the ground floor with a floor or a flat roof at a height of not more than 6 m above the surrounding ground.

It is permissible to apply combustible surfaces coverings to the upper surface of timber stairways and landings.

3.6 Loading 3.6.1 Loading for Stairs The loading for stairs required by the Building Regulations using Approved Document A1 and also BS 6399 Part 1 is given as follows in Table 3.

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Table 3 Industrial occupancy class (workshops and factories) Situation Corridors, hallways, stairs, landings and footbridges

Distributed Load 4.0 kN/m2

Concentrated Load 4.5 kN

3.6.2 Loadings for Platforms and Walkways Platforms and walkway loadings are extracted from BS 5395 Part 3 Section 8 Table 3. These are given in Table 4. Table 4 Platform and walkway loadings Use of Platform or Walkway

Light Duty Access limited to one person General Duty Regular two-way pedestrian traffic Heavy Duty High density pedestrian traffic

Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) kN/m2 3.0

*

Concentrated Load over square of 300 mm side ** kN at 1.0 m centres 1.0

5.0

1.0

7.5

1.0

***

Notes * The Uniformly Distributed Load is the equivalent uniformly distributed static load per square metre of plan area. ** Concentrated loads should be considered to be applied in the positions which produce the maximum stresses, or where deflection is the design criterion, in the position which will produce the maximum deflection. *** The designer should always allow for concentrated loads greater than 1.5 kN at 1.0 m centres after full consideration of machinery and other items which might be placed on the walkway, and should make additional allowance for any dynamic loads. BS 5395 has been partially replaced by BS EN ISO 14122 which refers specifically to platforms and walkways for access to machinery. In such cases the minimum operating loads should be: • •

2 kN/m2 under distributed load; 1.5 kN concentrated load over a concentrated area of 200 x 200 mm.

3.6.3 Horizontal Loads on Parapets and Handrails Horizontal loading for handrails is given in BS 6399 Part 1 Clause 9.1 Table 4. This specifies that parapets or balustrades should be designed for the following minimum loads expressed as horizontal forces acting at handrail or coping level. These are given in Table 5.

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Table 5 Horizontal loads on parapets and handrails Use: All occupancy classes except public assembly (a) Light access stairs, gangways and the like, not more than 600 mm wide (b) Staircases, balconies, ramps, landings or floors within, or serving exclusively one dwelling (c) Staircases in residential buildings not covered by (a) or (b) (d) Staircases, landings, floors, balconies, flat roofs with access, walkways and edges of sunken areas not covered by (a) (b) or (c)

A horizontal UDL applied to the infill kN/m run

A UDL applied to the infill of: kN/m2

A point load applied to part of the infill kN

0.22*

N/A

N/A

0.36

0.5

0.25

0.36

1.0

0.50

0.74

1.0

0.50

Note: The loading guidance given above overrides any other references given in the text and in previous issues of this Publication. *

The light duty loading 0.22 kN/m run is considered unsuitable for general factory use.

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4. Factory Stairways 4.1 General The design of a stairway should be governed by such factors as ease of access, frequency of use, standard of safety required, as well as by a suitable proportion between rise and going. Space should be made available to meet these requirements during the layout of plant and buildings. All the rises in a stairway should be equal and all the treads should be horizontal. When possible, intermediate landing levels should be arranged so that all rises and goings in successive flights are equal. It is desirable that design characteristics should be uniform in any one building or structure. Typical steel stairway arrangements are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

4.2 Clear Width The clear width of a stairway is the clear distance measured between the handrails. It should not be less than: • •

1000 mm for a main stairway used for constant two-way traffic; 600 mm but preferably 800 mm for stairways for occasional access to plant platforms etc. (see BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 Clause 5.7).

4.3 Pitch In the interests of safety, the pitch (measured from the horizontal) should be kept to a minimum. The recommended stairway pitches are: • •

30° to 38° for main stairways used for constant two-way traffic; 30° to 42° for stairways used for occasional access to plant platforms etc. The Building Regulations limit is 38°. However where the access is not subject to Building Regulations, a steeper pitch up to 42° is considered to be satisfactory and may be used. The lower pitch is always preferable.

Pitches between 42° and 50° are not recommended for normal use. Pitches between 50° and 65° should not be used under any circumstances, since they can prove dangerous to a user who may be uncertain whether to descend forwards or backwards. Neither should this critical range of pitch be used for companion-way ladders (see Clause 6.4).

4.4 Steps The rise should not generally exceed 220 mm, or more than 190 mm when subject to the Building Regulations. The going, as measured on plan between the nosings of the treads, should not be less than 250 mm (see Figure 6 and Figure 7). Where the going is less than 260 mm, the tread should be extended beneath the nosing of the tread above by a distance not exceeding 30 mm. 260 mm is the minimum recommended size of tread for foot placement when descending stairs (measured from the back of the heel to edge of nosing) and 30 mm is the maximum effective overhang (see Figure 6). Where there is no riser a minimum overhang of 16 mm is necessary for all treads.

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Over many years' experience with industrial stairways, optimum values for 'R' and 'G' have been developed. These are shown in the shaded area in Figure 2. It will be noted that this is in a narrower band than is now incorporated in both the Building Regulations and BS EN ISO 14122. However, it does not extend beyond the boundaries accepted as suitable by the foregoing. The optimum combinations of rise (R) and going (G) will conform to the expression: R x G = 48,000 to 55,000, where R and G is measured in millimetres (or 74 to 85 if measured in inches). The stairs will be dangerous to descend when this value is less than 48,000. They will be tiring to ascend when it exceeds 55,000, although this is less important in small flights of 3 or 4 steps which can well be larger than normal. Where the optimum dimensions of rise and going given in the Table exceed 42° pitch, and where they extend beyond the shaded area on the diagram, they are not recommended for normal use and should only be adopted where a shallower angle stair cannot be accommodated. Figure 2 shows the proportions of rise and going allowed by the Building Regulations, also the maximum rise of 190 mm and minimum going of 250 mm required for stairs other than 'Institutional/Assembly' and 'Private' stair. (Note: 'Private' stair includes some factory stairs, as has been noted elsewhere.) The formula quoted in the Building Regulations, (2R + G = 550 mm minimum to 700 mm maximum) includes the proportions included in this Publication. It should be noted that where this combination of 2R + G is less than about 620 mm the steps are too small for factory use. The simplified formula (R + G = 460 mm to 470 mm) is more suited to factory stairways of between 30° and 40° pitch.

4.5 Treads The selection of materials for treads depends on the quality of non-slip surface required and retention of the non-slip property during use. Treads for steel stairs may be of raised pattern plate (often referred to as chequer plate) or, preferably, of the open grid type to BS 4592 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8). Open type treads are unsuitable for persons wearing narrow heels or for fire escapes. The recommended minimum thickness (as measured over plain) of raised pattern plate is 6 mm for internal stairways and 8 mm for external stairways. The bullnose type of chequer plate tread is not advised, as there is a tendency for the foot to slip off the nose. Treads on open riser stairs should overlap by not less than 16 mm and have a nosing depth in the range 25 to 50 mm. This is to aid visibility. Concrete stairs may become very slippery if there is oil or grease in the vicinity, or if there are waxed polished floors adjacent. A non-slip surface should be built in at the design stage. The minimum requirement is a liberal sprinkling of carborundum or similar powder in the surface. Various proprietary types of non-slip insert or nosing are to be preferred. Refer to Appendix A for details of surface finishes.

4.6 Risers It is not a requirement to provide vertical risers to steel stairs or to some pre-cast concrete ones. Where there is no riser, it is necessary to extend the lower tread by a minimum of 16 mm at the back under the tread above to prevent the foot

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slipping "through the stairs" when ascending or turning. A solid riser is preferable; it stiffens the stairs, and in the same manner as a toe-plate, prevents small objects falling through.

4.7 Stringers The stringers normally used are 180 x 75 mm parallel flanged channels (PFC), except in special cases when the size should be determined by structural requirements. Strings should be sufficiently robust to minimise lateral flexing of the structure and should not project more than 50 mm beyond the nosing of the bottom tread. The 180 mm dimension has been found most convenient to suit nearly all combinations of treads and rises within the pitch recommended in Clause 4.3. A common error to be avoided, is the extension of the complete stringer to a landing used to change the direction of a flight of stairs or to the foot of a stairway. As indicated in Figure 9, this can cause a trip that may prove dangerous. Where stringers are cranked, the cranks may be either welded or fishplated. All bolt heads or fastenings on the inside of stringers which can be contacted by the foot should be countersunk finish. It is considered good practice, in situations where corrosive liquids may be present, to support the bottom of the stringer on a concrete plinth, thus safeguarding the stringer fixing cleats from corrosion (see Figure 10). It is important that the bottom rise is similar to all the rest.

4.8 Landings Landings should be used between flights and for change of direction; on no account should winders be used for industrial stairways (see Figure 4 and Figure 5). They should be designed in accordance with the recommendations for platforms and walkways given in Section 8. There should be a change of line or direction of not less than 30° after 32 risers. No stairway should exceed 16 rises in any one flight. If more are necessary a landing should be provided (see Clause 4.1). The length of such landings should not be less than the clear width of the stair or 850 mm, whichever is the greater. Landings at the head of a stair should be designed so that it is not possible to step from a platform or walkway on to the stair without a change of direction. The material used for landings should be the same as for the treads (see Clause 4.5). Landing and floor plates should be fastened to steel supports by means of M 12 (or ½ in) diameter countersunk bolts at 300 mm to 400 mm centres, or by other equivalent means.

4.9 Gates and Doors opening on to Stairways Gates and doors should never impede the movement of persons using a stairway. This is particularly important when considering a fire escape route serving several floors. A sliding door may be used in cases where an outward opening door

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would impede the flow of persons using the escape route. A level landing, incorporating a change of direction is to be provided on the stairway side of any door. Where the door is situated at the head or foot of a stairway the door may open onto the landing, but it must open unobstructed through at least 90° over the level landing in order to allow persons unimpeded access to the stairway. The minimum landing dimension, from the door when open through 90° to the stairway, is to be equal to the width of the doorway + 100 mm or 850 mm, whichever is the greater. Where the stairway forms part of a fire escape route, 850 mm is to be increased to 1100 mm. A threshold or single step may be on the line of the doorway. Fire resistant doors may be a requirement.

4.10 Toe or Kicking Plates A toe plate made from angle or flat, should be provided to all landings and should extend a minimum of 150 mm above the top of the flooring and around all open sides, as well as under the first step of the rising flight of the stairway (see Figure 9 and Figure 11; see also Clause 8.4).

4.11 Balustrades and Handrails All stairways and landings should be guarded on each side by a continuous wall, balustrade or handrail. Straight stairs and landings should have a handrail on both sides, unless the total height of the pitchline is less than 500 mm (see BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 Clause 7.1.2). Building Regulations Approved Document K Section 1.19 requires a handrail on at least one side for stairs less that 1 m wide, but there is no need for any handrails beside the bottom two steps of a stairway. Above 1 m, the inference is that two handrails are required and this is the recommendation made in this Publication. Handrails should have a returned end in order to avoid injury. Terminating in a newel post fulfils this requirement. Figure 3 shows a typical example of a concrete stairway built into a wall on one side and guarded on the other side by a solid balustrade surmounted by a single handrail. Where the width of the stairway exceeds 1 m there should be a handrail on both sides.

4.12 Headroom The minimum headroom under any obstacle should be not less than 2.3 m, measured vertically from the pitch line joining the tread nosings below the obstacle (see Figure 12).

4.13 Design 4.13.1 Loading Table 6 is taken from BS 6399 Part 1 Table 10. Table 6 Stairway loadings Stairway Industrial Stairs

Intensity of distributed load 4.0 kN/m2

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4.13.2 Stresses With the stringer dimensions given in Clause 4.7, the stresses imposed by persons using the stairway can be accommodated. A steel stairway is normally attached to the structure at landing levels only. The design must allow for manufacturing and erection tolerances to ensure that any additional loadings which could be transposed through misalignment etc. are minimal. In particular, it should be noted that additional compression stresses could lead to loss of lateral stability and in extreme cases buckling could occur. This leads to a sense of insecurity being given to any user. Where abnormal conditions may be foreseen, the design of stringers and attachments should take this into account. 4.13.3 Spiral Stairways The use of spiral stairways is not recommended, but if required they should be built to the requirements of BS 5395 Part 2. As part of the decision to build a spiral stair a user risk assessment should be made, to consider, as a minimum, access and egress, the potential for two-way traffic, the requirements for escape or rescue and the frequency of use of the stairs.

4.14 Exposed Stairways Where a stairway is exposed to the weather and is not solely used as a means of access to plant the total rise should not exceed 6 m.

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5. Fixed Ladders 5.1 General Fixed ladders should be installed only where occasional access is required and where the provision of a stairway is impracticable; consideration should be given to the ease of access and frequency of use. Ladders may be vertical or inclined at an angle to the vertical of not more than 15°. They should be provided with single rungs and have equal rises in successive flights wherever this is practicable. Adequate clearance should be provided around the ladder to ensure safe use. Ladders should not rise more than 6 m without provision of an intermediate landing; this should preferably break the line of the ladder, although this need not apply to access ladders to chimneys and similar high structures. Landings should be not less than 840 mm square and be guarded by toe plates and handrails around all sides, following the recommendations for platforms and walkways. Safety hoops should be provided where there is a risk of the user falling from a height of 2 m or more, or there is a risk of coming into contact with dangerous equipment (see Figure 13 and Figure 14).

5.2 Landing Gates, Chains or other Barriers Hazardous areas, such as the gap in handrails at the head of a ladder, should be protected by a self closing gate which should close gently but securely and should be designed to swing only on to the landing. Single lift-up bars or hook-across chains are not recommended as they need a free hand to operate, and a person could easily fall through underneath. Hold open devices are not permitted.

5.3 Width The clear width between stringers should not be less than 380 mm and not more than 450 mm. The lower figure is recommended for normal access. Where the ladder gives access to the platform from the outside, the stringers should be opened out above platform level to provide a clear width of 600 mm to 700 mm. This allows adequate room for the user to turn to face the ladder before descending.

5.4 Pitch Sloping ladders are easier and safer to use than vertical ones (see Clause 5.1 and Clause 6.1). Ladders having a pitch from 65° to 75° inclusive are companion-way ladders and are fitted with steps which help to prevent the foot passing between the rungs. For further details on companion-way ladders refer to Section 6.

5.5 Stringers Stringers should be made from flat bar of minimum dimensions of 65 mm x 10 mm. They should, if possible, be in one continuous length but where a joint is necessary a fishplate should be used on the inside of the stringer. This may be welded, bolted or riveted. Where bolts or rivets are used, they should have a minimum diameter of 12 mm (½ in) with countersunk or cup heads on the outside of the stringer. There should not be less than two bolts or rivets on each side of the joint.

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Stringers should be adequately supported from the structure at intervals. Fixing cleats should be firmly attached to the adjacent brickwork, structural members or floor construction members. Where the stringers are opened out above platform level, they should be bent over and connected to the handrail standards at the upper handrail level (see Figure 14). Alternatively, to maintain an upward pull as the user steps forward on to the platform, they may taken above the upper handrail level with a looped return down to the platform. In this case, the handrails are connected to the return leg (see Figure 15C, Figure 16A and Figure 17).

5.6 Rungs Rungs should be made of round bar 20 to 50 mm diameter and spaced uniformly to give a rise of from 225 mm to 255 mm, the lower figure being recommended. Steel rungs should be solid bar to avoid potential internal corrosion issues. Rungs should be designed to withstand a concentrated load of 1.5 kN placed in any position and should be securely fixed. Figure 15E and Figure 15F are applicable where rungs are riveted or welded. All rises in any flight or consecutive flights should be uniform. The top surface of the top rung should be level with the platform or landing floor to ease transition from the ladder to the landing and to eliminate a potentially dangerous gap. Alternative methods to achieve this are: • a flat supported plate (see Figure 16A); • industrial type metal flooring complying with BS 4592; • additional rungs in a horizontal plane (see Figure 16B). Sometimes a ladder is so placed that it gives access to the platform through a hole in the flooring and the user steps sideways to leave the ladder. In such cases, the top rung should be level with or slightly lower than the platform and the stringers should be carried up above the floor level, without a change of pitch, to the height of the handrail standards. Additional rungs may be provided above floor level in order to assist the user to move sideways on or off the platform when ascending or descending. These may be spaced either at the same pitch as the other rungs or placed at the same level as the handrails. Where additional rungs are not provided the extremities of the stringers should be given additional support (see Figure 17).

5.7 Clearances Clearances at the back of any rung should be not less than 230 mm to allow for foot room (see Figure 15C). The clear space on the user's side of a ladder not fitted with safety hoops measured at right angles to the strings should be not less than 760 mm for a vertical ladder and not less than 1000 mm for a ladder having a 75° pitch. These dimensions allow the user to climb the ladder whilst carrying some work equipment. Note that safety hoops are strongly advised (see Clause 5.8). However, there are exceptions such as a ladder descending into a manhole or a ladder within a tubular column, where there is a protecting wall behind the user.

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5.8 Safety Equipment Safety equipment should be provided for ladders rising more than 2 m or where the user could come into contact with dangerous equipment. Priority shall be given to the choice of a safety cage. If the safety cage is not possible, individual protection equipment shall be used. The guided type of fall arrester on a rigid anchorage line should be used (see Figure 15H). The hoops on any safety cage should be constructed of components robust enough to minimise flexing and be uniformly spaced at intervals not exceeding 900 mm. The top hoop should be in line with the top guardrail on the platform. The bottom hoop should be at a height of 2.5 m above ground. The size of the hoops is given in Figure 13. Hoops should be connected by at least two vertical straps with additional bracing as required to support their weight. A third strap to support the back of the hoops is strongly advised and preferred for the majority of applications. The hoops and straps should be connected either by bolts or welds. Where bolts are used, the bolt heads should be on the inside of the straps and either countersunk or round headed in order to prevent injury to the user which may occur when hexagonal bolt heads are used. Connections between hoops and stringers should be double bolted or welded. If slings are considered to be necessary they should conform in plan to the shape of the hoops. A further precaution which may be taken is to provide panels of large rectangular mesh wire fabric encaging the shaft formed by the safety hoops and vertical flat bars. The recommended sizes for the safety hoops and flat bars are as follows: Hoops and bars: 50 mm x 10 mm Minimum bolt diameter: M 12 (½ in) Width inside hoops: 690 mm minimum, 760 mm maximum. Back clearance inside hoops: Circular pattern: 760 840 Rectangular pattern: 690 760

mm mm mm mm

for for for for

vertical ladders sloping ladders vertical ladders sloping ladders.

Where the ladder is situated in an elevated position giving access to a platform(s) from which it is possible to fall more than 2 m, a single safety hoop should be provided at the same height as the top handrail (approx. 1 m). For rises in excess of 2.5 m a single hoop is inadequate. In order to guide the user inside the hoops, or where maximum enclosure is desirable because of an elevated position or other hazard, one half of the top hoop structure may be extended down to floor level. Where the ladders descend to a narrow landing, platform or walkway, a three quarter cage or a raised handrail should be used (see Figure 18) to prevent falling over the handrail. In the situation where the ladder descends opposite an opening in the handrail, then a three quarter cage should be used. Except on chimneys and other high structures (see Section 11), the height of any ladder should not exceed 6 m without an intermediate landing which breaks the line of the ladder and will prevent a fall to a lower level (see Clause 5.8).

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6. Steel Companion-Way Ladders 6.1 General Steel companion-way ladders may be classed as improved types of ladders for use where the pitch lies between the angles of 65° and 75°. They are not recommended where a staircase is possible, as there is a risk that a person may attempt to run down facing forward in panic conditions. For this reason, a proper stairway is recommended wherever possible.

6.2 Height The vertical height of a companion-way ladder should not exceed 3 m.

6.3 Width Width between stringers should not be greater than 550 mm nor less than 450 mm; the latter is recommended.

6.4 Pitch See Clause 6.1 above, Clause 4.3 and Figure 1. Pitches between 50° and 65° from the horizontal should not be used, as they are too awkward to descend backwards and much too steep to descend safely facing forwards.

6.5 Stringers Stringers should be made from flat bar of minimum dimension 80 mm x 10 mm or a suitable channel section. They should be designed following the recommendations for stringers for stairways (see Clause 4.7).

6.6 Treads When the pitch is below 75°, single rungs are not safe as the foot can pass between the rungs; therefore treads are required. Treads should be designed in the same way as treads for stairways. They should have a minimum width of 100 mm with an overlap of 20 mm. The top surface of the top tread should be positioned at platform level and there should be no gap between the tread and the platform. It is essential to make all rises in a flight uniform. The minimum rise should be 225 mm and the maximum rise should be 250 mm (see BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 Clause 6.2).

6.7 Handrails A single handrail should always be provided on both sides of the ladder; the distance between them from centre to centre, should be not less than 540 mm. At the top of the ladder the handrails should widen out to a minimum width of 610 mm.

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The handrail standards should be at right angles to the stringers. The distance between the rail and the top of the stringers should be determined in accordance with the methods indicated in Figure 19, giving approximately 250 mm in the case of ladders of 65° pitch and 100 mm where the pitch is 75°. The rail should be 250 mm above the pitch line for 65° slopes and 100 mm for ladder slopes of 75°. Intermediate slopes should be pro rata. Handrails should be designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 Clause 7.

6.8 Clearance The clearance on the user's side of a companion-way ladder, measured perpendicularly to the stringers, should not be less than 1.2 m (see Figure 12 and Figure 19). In order to provide toe room, the toe edge of all steps down from platform level should be a minimum distance of 250 mm from any vertical wall or other obstacle.

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7. Ramps 7.1 General The maximum reasonable gradient for forklift trucks carrying up to 3600 kg (8000 lbs) is 1 in 10. Electric trucks are designed for internal use; diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and petrol trucks for external use. Some manufacturers claim to operate on steeper gradients, but the gradient should be made as low as possible within the available length. It is essential to form transition curves both at the top and bottom of ramps for smooth movement, to avoid surfacing of the chassis and the possible digging in of the forks. It is also necessary to provide a horizontal length at both the top and bottom of a ramp before reaching a turn. The Building Regulations, which give practical guidance for the provision of ramps and their guarding, suggest that ramps should have a maximum gradient of not more than 1 in 12.

7.2 Curbs and Guardrails The edge curb, guardrail and handrail (see Figure 20) at the edge of the upper level should be carried down to the ramp and be strong enough to resist any impact from the truck.

7.3 Surfacing The surface of a ramp should be suitably treated to give an adequate grip. In the case of external ramps, precautions should be taken to prevent icing and to provide surface drainage.

7.4 Steel Ramps Where steel ramps are used, the supporting structure should be adequately designed to minimise deflection, bounce and impact forces, with transition planes as necessary at the top and bottom of the pitch. A non-slip surface should be provided or open grid flooring and, in some circumstances, the latter should have a protective screen below to retain falling objects. The steel structure as a whole should be adequately bolted down to resist dynamic forces including braking, turning and accidental impact. Welded construction is preferred. Screwed fastenings should be safeguarded against loosening by vibration, particularly those securing deck plates.

7.5 Stepped Ramps Stepped ramps, where successive lengths of ramp are connected by single vertical risers, may be used providing the following guidance is followed: • • •

length of ramp between risers 2 m maximum; slope of ramp portion between risers less than 1 in 12; vertical risers all having equal rise in the range 135-190 mm.

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8. Platforms and Walkways 8.1 General For the purpose of this Publication, a platform is a level floor forming part of an item of plant above the general surrounding area. The platform provides access to plant and equipment for either maintenance or operation and is not an integral part of the building. A walkway is a means of access normally elevated above the general surrounding area. Where the use of inclined walkways cannot be avoided, particular attention should be given to ensuring that adequate traction can be obtained by persons using it (see Section 7). Where a platform is considered to be part of a building construction, it should also conform to the Building Regulations unless, due to special circumstances, a waiver has been obtained. Gangplanks, catwalks and similar narrow means of access, such as may be required on board ship, in agricultural buildings and other non-industrial buildings do not come within the scope of this document. However designers of such equipment should be mindful of the safety requirements. In particular, a form of toe plate and means to prevent a user falling through below a single handrail, either by mesh infill or additional rails, should be provided. Attention to the details included in this Publication will ensure that the equipment is safe to use. A safe means of access must be provided to every place at which any person may have to work, either for maintenance or operation. This Publication is not intended to meet the special requirements required for access to roofs and chimneys. Refer to BS 4211 Specification for permanently fixed ladders.

8.2 Width Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the clear width of a walkway shall be a minimum 600 mm but preferably 800 mm. When the walkway is subject to several persons crossing simultaneously, the width shall be increased to 1 m.

8.3 Headroom The minimum headroom under any obstacle should not be less than 2.1 m (see BS EN ISO 14122 Part 2 Clause 4.2.2).

8.4 Toe Plates (Kicking Plates) Toe plates should be provided around all platforms and walkways to reduce the risk of a person slipping under the lower handrail, and to prevent tools and small pieces of equipment from dropping off the platform and causing injury to persons who may be below. They should extend a minimum of 150 mm above the top of the flooring and should also extend beneath the first step of open riser stairs ascending from the platform or walkway, as recommended in Clause 4.10. Any gap between the platform and toe plate should not exceed 15 mm. Note: EEMUA advise a depth of 150 mm which is greater than the 100 mm in BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 Clause 7.1, in order to avoid conflicting with the requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

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8.5 Flooring Flooring may be of concrete, chequer plate, open type steel flooring or raised pattern self-draining plate. In certain applications, GRP flooring has advantages over traditional materials, but should be used with care and in line with the manufacturers' recommendations. Timber should be avoided, unless alternative floorings cannot be used. Where platforms and walkways are not slip resistant, a slip resistant nosing should be fitted to the head of all stairs and access points to ladders. These should preferably match those used on any stair treads.

8.6 Handrails All platforms and walkways should have handrails as described in Section 10.

8.7 Fixings Platforms and walkways, whether permanent or temporary, should NOT be fixed solely by their own weight. When using fixings relying on tension, the calculated design loads, for the fixings, should be increased by an additional safety factor of 1.5. Corrosion or fatigue stresses, which may affect the life of the fixing, should be considered.

8.8 Vertical Loads and Deflections Platforms and walkways should be designed following recommendations in BS 5395, unless they are specifically for access to machinery when BS EN ISO 14122 Part 2 Clause 4.2.5 should be used. These are summarised in Table 7. Design loads should be not less than those given in Table 7. The platform or walkway should be designed to carry either the appropriate distributed load or the appropriate concentrated load, whichever produces the greater stress in the section being considered. The designer should always consider the weight and size of any other loads, such as machinery or parts thereof, which may be placed on the platform or walkway, in addition to pedestrian traffic, and should also make additional allowances for any dynamic loads. The deflection under design loadings should not exceed 10 mm or 1/200 of the span, whichever is the smallest. Note: It is advisable to fix plates or labels to installations stating that they have been designed following the recommendations of either BS 5395 or BS EN ISO 14122 Part 2 and to state the design loadings.

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Table 7 Platform and walkway floor loads Use of Platform or Walkway

Light Duty Access limited to one person General Duty Regular two-way pedestrian traffic Heavy Duty High density pedestrian traffic

Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) kN/m2 3.0

*

Concentrated Load over square of 200 mm side ** kN at 1.0 m centres 1.5

5.0

1.5

7.5

1.5

***

Notes * The Uniformly Distributed Load is the equivalent uniformly distributed static load per square metre of plan area. ** Concentrated loads should be considered to be applied in the positions which produce the maximum stresses, or where deflection is the design criterion, in the positions which produce maximum deflection. *** The designer should always allow for concentrated loads greater than 1.5 kN at 1.0 m centres after full consideration of machinery and other items which might be placed on the walkway, and should make additional allowances for any dynamic loads. For access to machinery, the minimum operating loads should be: • •

2 kN/m2 under distributed load; 1.5 kN concentrated load over a concentrated area of 200 mm x 200 mm.

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9. Fire Escapes 9.1 General Fire escape staircases should be designed to similar standards as for other purposes given in this Publication. It should be borne in mind, however, that they will be used for descent or possibly ascent in an emergency, often in the dark and often in near panic circumstances. A larger going will make for greater safety than an easier rise.

9.2 Statutory Requirements The majority of buildings or parts of buildings, where fire precautions are concerned, come within The Building Regulations Schedule 1, Part B. Approved Document B gives guidance as to how the statutory requirements may be met. In all cases a fire certificate will be required. This is generally obtained following discussion with the local Fire Authority in whose area the premises are situated. The County or District Council serving the area of use may help. Crown premises may have additional requirements. Where structures or erections do not come within the requirements of the Building Regulations, they may need to comply with the requirements of other statutory acts, such as the Factory Acts which may also refer to European Council Directives. Where premises may be manufacturing or processing flammable or potentially explosive materials, additional statutory requirements for prevention of the inception and spread of fire will undoubtedly exist. These may require additional fire protection around stairways to be used in case of emergency. Issue of a fire certificate will be dependent upon the means of escape, the number of persons who will use the escape route and the design of the staircases to be used for this purpose, etc. Most of the requirements listed in the above Acts and/or Regulations are incorporated in BS EN ISO 14122 and in Section 4 of this Publication, insofar as these relate to factory stairways. The Building Regulations: Document B states: 5.21

Single steps may cause falls and should only be used on escape routes where they are prominently marked. A single step along the line of a door is acceptable (subject to paragraph 5.32).

5.22(b) Fixed ladders should not be used as a means of escape for members of the public, and should only be intended for use in circumstances where it is not practical to provide a conventional stair, for example as access to plant rooms that are not normally occupied. Document K states: 1.13

The number of risers in any flight should be limited to 16.

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1.14

Stairs having more than 36 risers in consecutive flights should make at least one change of direction between flights of at least 30 degrees. Note: Interpretation of the actual words used may present difficulties. The intention is to ensure that a fall of more than 36 rises is prevented.

1.15

Landings should be provided at the top and bottom of every flight. The width and length of every landing should be at least as great as the smallest width of the flight. The landing may include part of the floor of the building.

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10. Handrails and Balustrades and Barriers 10.1 General Handrails may be used to assist users ascending or descending stairways and companion-way ladders. Where handrails are used to protect persons from falling off platforms, landings, etc., they are barriers. Handrails should be of the two-rail type except for companion-way ladders. In some circumstances, e.g. where female staff predominate and for some fire escape stairways, balustrades may be preferred (see Figure 21 and Figure 26). The height to the top of the handrail for stairways should be 950 mm to 1000 mm measured vertically from the nose of the tread. Handrails used as guardrails for protection on workers platforms, primarily used as rest platforms, should have a guardrail at a height of between 920 mm and 1005 mm with an intermediate rail. Toe boards should also be fitted (see BS 4211). Handrails used as barriers to protect persons using platforms and walkways should have infill where there is any risk of a person slipping and falling through the gaps between the rails. This infill may be substantial mesh or masonry, as most suited to the application. The overall height should be not less than 1100 mm. All handrailing on platforms and stairs more than 15 m from the ground level shall have a third rail 1590 mm above the finished floor level and the full height in-filled with mesh. This provides additional security for personnel and prevents loose debris, e.g. tools and dropped items, from falling to the ground level. Sufficient clearance should be allowed between handrails and any wall or adjacent items of plant; the recommended minimum clearance is 100 mm. To avoid a kink in the handrail at a quarter landing, the bottom step of the upper flight may be set back, so that the distance between the top rise of the bottom flight and the bottom rise of the top flight is equal to the going when measured on the centre line of the handrail, in this way the handrail continues round the corner at a constant pitch as illustrated in Figure 22. Except where otherwise stated in this Section, protective barriers should be designed following the recommendations of BS 6180 and Building Regulations Approved Document K. There should be not less than two rails in the same vertical plane, with the lower rail positioned mid way between the top rail and the platform/stair pitch line (or the top of the toe plate up-stand). Where there is a boundary wall up one side a maximum 200 mm away from the stair, and the stair width does not exceed 1000 mm, a single handrail is adequate. Wherever possible handrails should be continuous and follow the line of the nosing. Sharp changes of direction in the vertical plane are to be avoided. To avoid injury or damage, rails should terminate in a returned end, either to the wall, the knee rail, or to the newel post. Returned ends should not extend more than 350 mm from the centreline of a newel post. At the foot of the stairs the returned end of the handrail should extend to a point equal to the maximum extension of the stringer. General good practice would be to avoid the use of handrailing for minor supports.

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10.2 Loading The minimum design imposed lateral loads are given as follows in Table 8. Table 8 Lateral loads for handrails, industrial use Use of handrail Load kN/m Light duty, access limited to one person 0.22 (see Note 1) Medium duty, regular two way traffic 0.36 Heavy duty, high-density pedestrian traffic, escape routes 0.74 Areas subject to crowd loading, over 3 m wide 3.00 Note 1: The light duty loading, 0.22 kN/m, is considered unsuitable for general factory use. If there is any possibility of vehicular impact, the recommendations in Appendix B of BS 6180 and Approved Document K should be followed. In order to meet current Building Regulations, the former three Duty classes have been reduced to two. These cover horizontal loadings on handrails and balustrades which are considered suitable for factory use. Details for handrail standards are given in Table 9 and Table 10 in Clause 10.3. The loading for stairs, gangways and the like is 0.36 kN/m. Around floors, landings and balconies the loading is increased to 0.74 kN/m. This loading should also be observed when there is any possibility of the handrail being leant on by several people, using the stair or gangway as an observation platform, as during a conducted tour or meeting. Where there is a possibility of crowd handling difficulties, consideration should be given to the use of a greater loading of up to 3.00 kN/m. The proportions and spacings of handrails and handrail standards in the following pages comply with the requirements of BS 6399 Part 1.

10.3 Handrail Standards Solid forged handrail standards may be either parallel or tapered. The diameter at the junction with the base should not be less than the specified minimum diameter for each class. Fabricated methods for hollow section handrail standards include: • • •

from tube to BS EN 10296 hot finished welded (HFW) with screwed fittings to BS EN 10255; from tube to BS EN 10296 HFW or circular hollow section (CHS) to BS EN 10210 in conjunction with proprietary screw clamp fittings; from circular or rectangular hollow sections (CHS or RHS) to BS EN 10210 with all-welded construction.

RHS handrail standards may be designed to take conventional tubular handrails or be to be used with RHS handrails. In the latter case the whole assembly is usually prefabricated in suitable lengths for site assembly. Rails may be joined to handrail standards by welding or by bolted inserts. The use of angles to form both handrails and handrail standards is permissible.

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Tubular handrails should have a clearance of approximately 1.5 mm in the handrail standards. Fixing bases may be flat or palm as shown in Figure 24. Where handrail standards are to be fitted permanently to a concrete floor or stairway, the spigot fixing shown in Figure 3 may be used. Proprietary fittings may be used provided that their strength and fixing details are adequate for the specified loading. It is necessary to ensure that platform or stairway members to which the handrail standards are bolted have adequate strength and rigidity to withstand the twisting moment imposed by the handrail standards. Stanchions should never be mounted from toe plates unless these are substantial structural members. Flat plates are totally inadequate for this purpose. Figure 3 and Figure 25 illustrate recommended fixings to concrete and steelwork respectively. Recommended dimensions of handrail standards for the two classes of handrailing are listed in Table 9 and Table 10 for various spans. The three different types of handrail standard, i.e. solid forged, CHS and RHS, are presented in the same order for ease of reference. They are not in order of strength or rigidity, these properties vary both with the section and material grade within each group. Material specifications are: • • •

Forged handrail standards: BS 7668 Grade S275; CHS or HRS standards: BS 7668 Grade S275JO unless indicated in the table by an asterisk*, when Grade S355JO is intended; BS EN 10297 HFW Grade 16 is equivalent to BS 7668 Grade S275JO and BS EN 10297 HFW Grade 23 is equivalent to BS 7668 Grade S355JO; these grades of tube can be used as alternatives to CHS.

The minimum base width (at right angles to the line of the handrail) and bolt size given for each class refer to a base with two bolts in line with the handrail. Other types of base give a lower bolt stress. Bolts are assumed to be Grade 8.8. Table 9 Medium duty handrail standards 0.36 kN/m, minimum base width 65 mm, minimum bolt size 16 mm Maximum pitch mm 1800 1500 1200

Solid forged mm diameter 38 Not available 32

mm o.d. 48.3 42.4 42.4

37

CHS mm thick 3.2 3.2 2.6

mm

RHS mm

mm

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Table 10 Heavy duty handrail standards 0.74 kN/m, minimum base width 75 mm, minimum bolt size 20 mm, three or four bolts preferred Maximum pitch mm

Solid forged mm diameter

1800

Not normally available

mm o.d. 48.3

1500

Not normally 48.3 available 1200 Not normally 48.3 available 1000 38 48.3 Note: * denotes material grade S355JO

CHS mm thick 4.9*

mm

RHS mm

63.5

38.1

mm thick 3.2

4.0*

50.8 -

50.8 -

4.0 -

4.9

38.1

38.1

4.0*

4.0

38.1

38.1

4.0

10.4 Handrails Handrails should be made from tube to BS 6323 Grade 13. Tubes should be butt jointed using tubular steel ferrules or proprietary inserts that may be pinned, screwed or dimpled. Aluminium plugs are not approved. Ferrules for heavy-duty handrails should be double length (see Figure 23). Joints between handrails and steel ferrules should be made with countersunk head pins or plug welds. Joints in continuous handrails should be positioned at points of minimum stress, and not more than 150 mm from the centreline of a stanchion. They should not be placed outboard of end stanchions and neither should they be placed between corner stanchions. Joints should not have any sharp edges or projections (see Figure 22). It is important that joints should be correctly positioned at points of minimum stress (see Figure 22) and so arranged that the security of an end or corner rail is not dependent on the security of a joint beyond a standard fixing point. All handrailing should be prevented from rotating or moving longitudinally through the handrail standards. This may be ensured by the use of pins, grub screws or by welding. On long runs there should be a fixing to at least one in every four handrail standards. Any burrs or projections should be removed after pinning or welding so as to leave the handrail with a smooth finish. The ends of the handrail should always be secured and their open ends should be bent over to form a continuous return to avoid any risk of catching or injury. The recommended dimensions for the two categories to be used for circular handrails are as follows: • •

medium duty (0.36 kN/m): 33.7 mm o.d. x 3.2 mm thick; heavy duty (0.74 kN/m): 33.7 mm o.d. x 3.2 mm or 4 mm thick.

For use with RHS handrail standards: 38.1 x 38.1 x 2.6 mm RHS handrail gives a stronger section at lower cost than 33.7 mm o.d. tube. While this may be attractive for long straight rails, corners should be mitred unless a solid bend is used. Fixing to handrail standards is also more complicated than for round tube.

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10.5 Balustrades and Panic Barriers Balustrades should be designed for the same loads as handrails with infilling balusters or panels, conforming generally to the requirements of BS 6180. Panic barriers should be designed for a load of 3.00 kN/m, using circular or rectangular hollow sections with appropriate infilling members. Various proprietary types of balustrades and barriers are available and are usually designed in short lengths to be bolted together on site.

10.6 Materials and Finishes Materials, such as stainless steel, high duty aluminium alloys, copper, bronze, etc., may be specified as alternatives to plain carbon steel where superior corrosion resistance, appearance or feel are important. The dimensions of handrails, handrail standards and balustrades made from these materials will be dependent upon the mechanical properties of the material and the condition in which it is used. Where these are offered or specified, supportive stress calculations should be available. It is recommended that where carbon steel fabricated hollow handrail standards are made, that these should be galvanised after welding to give maximum internal protection against corrosion and give a superior surface for normal paint systems applied externally. Where corrosion resistance is not an issue, painting or plastic covering may be used. Handrailing on walkways and stairways shall be continuous to avoid finger traps. Where bolts are used on handrail connections, they shall have dome heads or be countersunk, and to be of the correct length allowing only nominal thread lengths to project through the nut. Handrails shall be free of any projection, burrs and any exposed corners rounded off, so as to eliminate any snags.

10.7 Safety and Self Closing Gates Potentially hazardous areas, such as at the gap in handrails at the head of a ladder, should be protected by a self closing gate, which should close gently but securely and should be designed to swing onto the landing (see Figure 17). Hold open devices should never be fitted. Chains and single lift-up bars are not considered adequate and present additional hazards.

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11. Ladders for Access to High Structures excluding Roof and Chimney Ladders and their fixings

11.1 General This section generally follows the requirements of BS 4211 Specification for permanently fixed ladders. The Type A and B designations given in previous versions of this Standard have now been removed. Ladders can be steel ladders with single bar rungs and fixed to chimneys and other high structures to provide means of access. They can also be specified to be used in other locations where corrosive conditions may exist. Where ladders are used on chimneys, provision of rest platforms may present design problems and a continuous length of ladder may be used. Safety hoops or other approved form of fall arrester (see BS EN 353) should be incorporated. Ladders such as these are often used in relatively short lengths between working platforms and in longer lengths of up to 9 metres between landings. Potential users should refer also to BS 3678 Specification for access hooks, for hooks for chimneys and other high structures in steel and BS 3572 Specification for access fittings, for chimneys and other high structures in concrete or brickwork. Other such ladders are constructed in steel or aluminium and are suitable for general use. They are unsuitable for manholes for sewerage and drainage installations, and in other installations where atmospheric pollution may be anticipated. Ladders to be fitted within existing vertical columns are not specified separately in the Standard. It may be assumed that the choice of ladder will be based on the presence or otherwise of corrosive conditions. Adequate lighting should be provided to enable a user to climb or descend in safety. Where ladders are to be fitted inside existing columns, rest platforms may be dispensed with if this presents design problems, provided that safety hoops are fitted. The design of new columns with internal ladders should make provision for rest platforms. The top two hoops and connecting straps of all possible escape routes on a downward path, as well as the top bar of any safety gate that leads to the ground level, shall be 'dayglow' orange. Great care should be taken to ensure that no inappropriate ladders, such as those for maintenance purposes and leading to dead-ends, are identified as escape ladders.

11.2 Materials 11.2.1 General Materials should be either low carbon steel complying with BS EN 10025 grade S275 galvanised sheet, or aluminium alloy complying with the following Table 11. Table 11 Aluminium alloys Form Extruded sections

Alloys 6063 (HE9), 6082 (HE30), 6063 A 1200 (E1C) and 6061 (HE20), complying with BS EN 12020 Sheet and strip 1200 (S1C), 3103 (NS3), 5154A (NS5), 5251 (NS4) and 6082 (HS30), complying with BS EN 485 Drawn tube 6063 (HT9) and 6082 (HT30), complying with BS EN 573 Longitudinally welded tube 5251 (NJ4), complying with BS EN 1592

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11.2.2 Connections Connection between components shall be by proven durable means selected to withstand the specified or calculated load. Traditional means are threaded fasteners or welding, where these are used they shall be in accordance with the appropriate British Standard.

11.3 Stiles 11.3.1 Steel Steel stiles should be of flat bar of minimum section 65 mm x 10 mm. 11.3.2 Materials other than Steel and Ladder Loading Where materials other than steel are used, the stiles shall be designed to resist the forces due to two persons each weighing 100 kg in transit on a 9 m section of ladder as fixed. Deflection in any direction shall not exceed 2 mm. 11.3.3 Width between Stiles The width between inside faces of the stiles should be between 380 mm and 480 mm. The stiles should be parallel and straight to within a tolerance of ± 10 mm in any 3 metre length. 11.3.4 Stile Extensions In order to permit users to safely access the top of the structure or any landing, the stiles should extend upwards, at the same angle as the ladder, or a similar upright provided, to a minimum height of 1000 mm above the surface or platform level. Such upward extensions shall not encroach on the clear width of the platform passageway and shall not deflect by more than 10 mm when subjected to a side (horizontal) load of 1.0 kN. 11.3.5 Jointing of Stiles If it is necessary for stiles to be in more than one length, they should be joined by a means which exposes no edges likely to scratch or cut and which maintains the stiles in good alignment and structural continuity. Note: The EEMUA preference is for stiles to be joined using fish plates which are welded, riveted or bolted to the inside of the stiles, such that the finished joint complies with the previous paragraph. Bolts or rivets shall be 12 mm diameter low carbon steel, or 10 mm diameter high tensile steel of grade S. Not less than two shall be used at each side of a joint. An alternative method is for the fishplate to be welded to one stile and bolted to the mating one. Bolts or rivets shall be finished in one of the following ways: • • • •

hot galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461; sheradised to BS 4921 Class 2; cadmium coated and passivated to BS EN 12330; zinc coated and passivated to BS EN 12329.

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11.3.6 Stile Fixing Stiles shall be fixed to the supporting structure by means of connectors or brackets designed to resist the applied loads, and to restrict stile movement at the fixing to no more than 5 mm. The method of attachment will depend upon the type of supporting structure. A minimum pull out resistance shall be 0.5 kN. Connectors shall be of sufficient length to give toe clearance of at least 150 mm behind the rungs (230 mm is preferable as shown in Figure 15C), and positioned to give side clearance at openings of between 150 and 230 mm (see Figure 15A and Figure 17).

11.4 Rungs 11.4.1 Spacing Rungs should be uniformly spaced, throughout the entire length of the ladder, at centres between 250 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum. Note: The rung spacing for ladders on high structures is allowed to be greater than that for ladders to BS EN ISO 14122 Part 3 which gives the rung spacing as 225 to 250 mm (see Note on Figure 15 (continued)). The top rung should be the same height as the associated platform which may be extended either to replace the top rung or to ensure that the gap between the top rung and the platform does not exceed 75 mm. 11.4.2 Fixing to Stiles Rungs should be rigidly fixed to the stiles and should not rotate. If they protrude through the stiles, the protrusion should be minimal and smoothly finished. 11.4.3 Loading Rungs shall be of a section capable of supporting a mass of 150 Kg spread over 100 mm at the centre of the rung, with a rung deflection of less than 2 mm. 11.4.4 Rung Material As for normal fixed ladders (see Section 5), rungs in mild steel should be made from round section bar, 20 to 50 mm diameter. Where aluminium alloys are used, extruded hollow section tubular rungs with anti slip longitudinal ridges or a textured surface present an attractive alternative to plain round bars. Sections other than completely circular may be used for alloy rungs, such as square with heavily radiused corners, provided that the flat face is parallel to the floor in the operational position. Sections, such as angle iron, T iron, U section or other non-round shapes should not be considered unless conditions dictate a need and the user is in agreement.

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11.5 Hoops and Fall Arrest Systems Hoops and straps should follow the general design criteria given in Clause 5.8. On silos, the minimum steel section for the hoops and straps may be reduced to 30 mm x 5 mm. At least 3 vertical straps are to be fitted internally to brace the hoops. One of these shall be fitted at the centre to support the back of a person using the ladder. The others are to be spaced equidistant between the centre back of the hoop and the ladder stiles. Alternatively a permanent fall arrest system as detailed in BS EN 353 may be incorporated.

11.6 Platforms 11.6.1 Spacing or Height between Platforms For ladders used for occasional access, the maximum distance between platforms is increased, from that given in BS EN ISO 14122 Part 2 of 6 m, to 9 m. 11.6.2 Rest Platforms Rest platforms should have a minimum dimension of 850 mm x 850 mm. They should be fitted with a guardrail at between 920 mm and 1050 mm above platform level and should have an intermediate rail. A 150 mm high toe rail should also be provided to restrain the foot and to prevent items of equipment falling off the platform and injuring persons who may be below. 11.6.3 Work Platforms Where these are provided they should be at least 2 m x 1 m and shall have a slip resistant finish. Guardrails and toe plates, as above, are to be provided. 11.6.4 Obstructions at Head of Ladder Where dwarf walls, parapets, copings or other obstructions could interfere with a direct exit from or approach to the ladder, at the level where access is required, the ladder shall be extended to give a platform spanning the obstruction. Minimum dimensions of platform shall be 600 mm wide x 840 mm deep. 11.6.5 Ladder Line The line of a ladder should be broken at landings in order to limit the free fall distance of any one who may be using the ladder.

11.7 Finish 11.7.1 General Construction shall be carried out in a manner that ensures no sharp ends or edges that could cut the user or hinder access.

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11.7.2 Protection Where steel parts are hot dip galvanised, possible embrittlement of some materials after cold forming should be considered. Aluminium components in non-aggressive atmospheres need have no additional protection. However anodising (BS EN 12373-1), electroplated nickel (BS EN 12540) or electroplated nickel and chromium (BS EN 12540) may be used to provide additional protection.

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Appendix A The following table is extracted from BS 5395 Part 1. Table 12 Slip resistance of floor and tread finishes

Material

Clay tiles (carborundum finish) Carpet Clay tiles (textured) Cork tiles PVC with non-slip granules PVC

Slip Resistance (see Note below) Dry and unpolished very good

Wet

very very very very

good good good good

good good good good

very good

Remarks

very good

May be suitable for external stairs.

May be suitable for external stairs.

Rubber (sheets or tiles) Mastic asphalt GRP profiled (chequer plate) Vinyl asbestos tiles Linoleum

very good

poor to fair Slip resistance when wet may be improved if PVC is textured. Edges of sheet liable to cause tripping if not fixed firmly to base. very poor Not suitable near entrance doors.

good -

good good

good good

Concrete

good

Granolithic

good

Cast iron

good

Clay tiles

good

Terrazzo

good

fair poor to fair Edges of sheets may cause tripping if not securely fixed to base. poor to fair If a textured finish or a non-slip aggregate is used, slip resistance value when wet may be increased to good. poor to fair Slip resistance when wet may be improved to good by incorporating carborundum finish. poor to fair Slip resistance may be acceptable when wet if open treads used. poor to fair Slip resistance when wet and polished very poor. poor to fair Non-slip nosing necessary on stairs. Slip resistance when polished or if polish is transferred by shoes from adjacent surfaces very poor.

No value for dry and unpolished finishes given in BS 5395 Part 1.

Note: 'Very good': surface suitable for areas where special care is required, approximate c.o.f. > 0.75 'Good': surface satisfactory for normal use, approximate c.o.f. 0.4 to < 0.75 'Poor to fair': surface below acceptable safety limits, approximate c.o.f. 0.2 to < 0.4 'Very poor': surface unsafe, approximate c.o.f. < 0.2

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Table 13 Optimum dimensions for stairways incorporating Building Regulations Document K Pitch Angle

35°.00 optimum alternatively 40°.00 preferred max 42°.00 maximum 31°.00 optimum

Rise mm min opti- max mum 155 175 220

165 to

200

150 165

190

135 150

180

100

155

38°.00 maximum

27°.00 optimum 33°.00 maximum

20° to 25° 4°.45

Going mm Type/Use min opti- max mum 245 250 260 'Private' stairs. Stair used by a limited number of people, who are generally very familiar with 223 to 300 the stair, e.g. the internal stair in a dwelling. These are domestic stairs in accordance with the Building Regulations. 250 275 320 General purpose or semi-public stairs. Stair used by larger numbers of people, some of whom may be unfamiliar with the stair, e.g. in factories, offices, shops, and common stair serving more than one dwelling. Also suitable for fire escapes. 280 300 340 Public stairs. Stair used by large numbers of people at one time, e.g. in places of public assembly. Also used by people with ambulatory difficulties, e.g. in hospitals, children's homes. 320 500 Short flights ONLY.

1 in 12 Ramp

Ramps suitable for vehicle and pedestrian use.

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Table 13 (continued) Optimum dimensions for stairways incorporating Building Regulations Document K

EEMUA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FACTORY STAIRWAYS (Other than stairs used for large general assemblies)

Note that minor discrepancies exist between BS EN ISO 14122 and the Building Regulations. 1)

Where stairways are used for occasional use such as access for maintenance purposes they come within the 'Private' category The going "G" not less than 250 mm The rise "R" not more than 220 mm

2)

Any regularly used stair. The going "G" not less than 250 mm The rise "R" not more than 190 mm

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Appendix B Definitions The following definitions are taken from: BS 4211, BS EN ISO 14122 Parts 1 & 3 and BS 6180. Characteristic load or mass

The load or mass that has a probability of not more than 5% of being exceeded during the life of the structure.

Clearance

The unobstructed height measured at right angles to the pitch line.

Datum level

The finished level of the floor, roof, foundation slab, balcony, ramp, stage or pitch line of stairs, etc.

Design level

The level at which the horizontal force on the barrier is assumed to act for the purposes of design.

Depth of tread

The distance horizontally from the nosing to the face of the riser.

Ladder: BS EN ISO 14122 Part 1

A stair with a pitch between 55° and 90° from the horizontal.

Ladder: BS 5395 Part 3

Stair having pitch greater than 65°.

Fixed ladder: BS 5395 Part 3

Ladder having a pitch greater than 75°.

Companion-way ladder: Ladder having pitch from 65° to 75° inclusive, with BS 5395 Part 3 steps. Parallel tread

A step of which the nosing is parallel to the nosing of the step or landing next above it.

Platform

Level floor above the level of the surrounding area.

Rest platform

A platform provided to enable the person climbing the ladder to rest.

Work platform

A platform provided to enable a work activity to be carried out.

Protective barrier

Any element of building or structure, permanent or temporary intended to prevent persons from falling and to stop persons or vehicles.

Quarter landing

A landing at which a quarter turn (90°) is made between two flights of stairs.

Ramp

A stair with a pitch less than 15° from the horizontal.

Stepped ramp

A combination of a ramp and flight(s) of stairs having level treads.

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Safety hoop

A bar fixed to both stiles to enclose the path of the person climbing the ladder.

Scroll

The end of a handrail, sculptured or carved to resemble a roll of parchment.

Stiles

The side members of a ladder to which the rungs are fixed.

Walkway

Lateral access, e.g. from one section of plant or equipment to another.

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Figures

Figure 1 Pitch range of the various means of access between levels

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Figure 2 Pitch and proportions for ladders, companion-way ladders, stairways and ramps

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Figure 3 Concrete stairs

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 4 General arrangement of steel stairway with straight landing

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 5 General arrangement of steel stairway with 180° landing

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 6 Study of feet positions to determine various stair details

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 7 Tread set out

Figure 8 Tread types

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 9 Landing and stringer details

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 10 Stringer base details

Figure 11 Flat toe plate details

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 12 Stairs, ladders and companion-way ladders (EEMUA 105 Recommendations)

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 13 Hoop dimensions

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 14 General arrangement of ladder fitted with safety hoops

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 15 Ladder details

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

'H' Ladder with Rigid Anchor Line for Guided Fall Arrestor

Figure 15 Ladder details (continued)

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 16 Top rung alternatives

Note: Safety gate omitted for clarity

Figure 17 Ladder access to platform through floor

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 18 Raised handrail or three quarter cage for narrow landings

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 19 General arrangement of steel companion-way ladder

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 20 Ramps

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 21 Typical fire escape staircase

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 22 Handrail layout

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 23 Handrails - basic dimensions and jointing details

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 24 Handrail standards

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 25 Attachment of handrail standards

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 26 Balustrade arrangements

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

Figure 27 Safety gate

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EEMUA Publication 105 – Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails

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EEMUA PUBLICATIONS CATALOGUE All EEMUA Publications can be purchased on-line. To order a publication contact EEMUA via the website at www.eemua.org, by e-mail, fax or phone. ELECTRICAL 186

A Practitioner's Handbook - Electrical Installation, Inspection and Maintenance in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

181

A Guide to Risk Based Assessments of In-situ Large Ex 'e' and Ex 'N' Machines

133

Specification for Underground Armoured Cable Protected against Solvent Penetration and Corrosive Attack INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL

201

Process Plant Control Desks Utilising Human-Computer Interfaces - A Guide to Design, Operational and Human Interface Issues

191

Alarm Systems - A Guide to Design, Management and Procurement

189

A Guide to Fieldbus Application for the Process Industry

187

Analyser Systems - A Guide to Maintenance Management

178

A Design Guide for the Electrical Safety of Instruments, Instrument / Control Panels and Control Systems

175

Code of Practice for Calibration and Checking Process Analysers

155

Standard Test Method for Comparative Performance of Flammable Gas Detectors against Poisoning

138

Design and Installation of On-Line Analyser Systems

138 S1 Design and Installation of On-Line Analyser Systems. A Guide to Technical Enquiry and Bid Evaluation MECHANICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 204

Piping and the European Pressure Equipment Directive: Guidance for Plant Owners / Operators

203

Guide to the Application of ISO 3183 Parts 2 (1996) and 3 (1999) Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Steel Pipes for Pipelines Technical Delivery Conditions

200

Guide to the Specification, Installation and Maintenance of Spring Supports for Piping

199

On-Line Leak Sealing of Piping - Guide to Safety Considerations

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196

Valve Purchasers' Guide to the European Pressure Equipment Directive

192

Guide for the Procurement of Valves for Low Temperature (Non-cryogenic) Service

188

Guide for Establishing Operating Periods of Safety Valves

185

Guide for Hot Tapping on Piping and other Equipment

184

Guide to the Isolation of Pressure Relieving Devices

182

Specification for Integral Block and Bleed Valve Manifolds for Direct Connection to Pipework

179

A Working Guide for Carbon Steel Equipment in Wet H2S Service

173

Specification for Production Testing of Valves - Part 4 Butterfly and Globe Valves

172

Specification for Production Testing of Valves - Part 3 Gate Valves

171

Specification for Production Testing of Valves - Part 2 Plug Valves

170

Specification for Production Testing of Valves - Part 1 Ball Valves

168

A Guide to the Pressure Testing of In-Service Pressurised Equipment

164

Seal-less Centrifugal Pumps: Class 1

153

EEMUA Supplement to ASME B31.3-1996 Edition, Process Piping

151

Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps and Compressors

143

Recommendations for Tube End Welding: Tubular Heat Transfer Equipment, Part 1 - Ferrous Materials OFFSHORE

197

Specification for the Fabrication of Non-Primary Structural Steelwork for Offshore Installations

194

Guidelines for Materials Selection and Corrosion Control for Subsea Oil and Gas Production Equipment

176

Specification for Structural Castings for Use Offshore

158

Construction Specification for Fixed Offshore Structures in the North Sea

146

90/10 Copper Nickel Alloy Piping for Offshore Applications - Specification: Fittings

145

90/10 Copper Nickel Alloy Piping for Offshore Applications - Specification: Flanges Composite and Solid

144

90/10 Copper Nickel Alloy Piping for Offshore Applications - Specification: Tubes Seamless and Welded

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STORAGE TANKS AND VESSELS 190

Guide for the Design, Construction and Use of Mounded Horizontal Cylindrical Bulk Storage Vessels for Pressurised LPG at Ambient Temperatures

183

Guide for the Prevention of Bottom Leakage from Vertical Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks

180

Guide for Designers and Users on Frangible Roof Joints for Fixed Roof Storage Tanks

159

Users' Guide to the Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Above-ground Vertical Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks

154

Guidance to Owners on Demolition of Vertical Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks and Storage Spheres

147

Recommendations for the Design and Construction of Refrigerated Liquefied Gas Storage Tanks NOISE

161

Guide to the Selection and Assessment of Silencers and Acoustic Enclosures

141

Guide to the Use of Noise Procedure Specification

140

Noise Procedure Specification

104

Noise: A Guide to Information required from Equipment Vendors GENERAL

206

Risk Based Inspection: A Guide to Effective Use of the RBI Process

195

Compendium of EEMUA Information Sheets on Topics Related to Pressure Containing Equipment

193

Recommendations for the Training, Development and Competency Assessment of Inspection Personnel

149

Code of Practice for the Identification and Checking of Materials of Construction in Pressure Systems in Process Plants

148

Reliability Specification - Model clauses for inclusion in purchasing specifications for equipment items and packages

105

Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails (including Access Platforms and Ramps)

101

Lifting Points - A Design Guide

EEMUA PUBLICATION 105 SEVENTH EDITION FACTORY STAIRWAYS, LADDERS AND HANDRAILS

T H E E N G I N E E R I N G E Q U I P M E N T A N D M AT E R I A L S U S E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails including Access Platforms and Ramps

EEMUA Publication 105

Seventh Edition