Alaco Ladder Premier OSHA-rated Ship Ladders: OSHA Requirements

Alaco Ladder’s OSHA-rated ship ladders are considered as one of the sturdiest and most reliable ships ladders in the industry. Manufactured using high-quality, aircraft grade aluminum alloy, Alaco’s ships ladders are designed with the user’s safety in mind.

OSHA Requirements for Ship Ladders

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is a U.S. agency that is under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Labor. Its primary responsibility is to oversee the safety of workers and employees in the country through standards and regulations they have set, which employers and business owners must strictly follow. Violation could lead to fines or penalties; a lawsuit, or in worst-case scenarios, temporary business closure or revocation of license to operate (whichever is applicable).

In general, the OSHA regulates employees’ working conditions, making sure that they are provided with a safe, healthy, and comfortable working environment at all times. And part of the working environment are pieces of equipment used in day-to-day operations. For ships, these include ladders.

In general, OSHA-rated ship ladders have fulfilled the following requirements:

OSHA requirements for ship ladders under 1910.25(b)

• Guardrails, handrails or stair rail systems are provided (whichever is applicable) to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents
• With the presence of overhead obstruction, vertical clearance between said obstruction and stair tread should be at least six feet and eight inches
• Riser heights and tread depths must be uniform
• Ship ladders will only be installed if it can be proved and demonstrated that standard stairs are not a feasible option
• If it has been demonstrated that ship ladders are the best alternative to standard stairs, the employer or ship owner must install, use, and maintain the ladder according to manufacturer regulations and instructions

Under 1910.25(c), the following requirements for standard stairs must be met:

• From the horizontal, stairs must be installed at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees
• Maximum riser height is 9.5 inches and minimum tread depth is likewise 9.5 inches
• Between vertical barriers, the minimum width should be 22 inches

For spiral stairs, 1910.25(d) lists the following requirements:

• Minimum clear width is 26 inches
• Maximum riser height should be no more than 9.5 inches
• Minimum tread depth must be 7.5 inches; and tread size must be consistent/uniform

For ship stairs, the following OSHA requirements must be met:

• Angle to horizontal should be between 50 and 70 degrees
• Minimum tread depth should be four inches
• Minimum tread width should be 18 inches

And finally, for alternating tread stairs, OSHA requirements are as follows:

• From the horizontal, treads must be installed at a slope between 50 and 70 degrees
• The distance between handrails should be between 17 and 24 inches
• Minimum tread depth should be 8.5 inches (open risers are required for tread depths that are less than 9.5 inches)
• Measured from the nosing, tread width should be a minimum of seven inches

These are but some of the general OSHA requirements for ship ladders and stairs that employers and ship owners must follow. For the complete list of requirements, you may visit the official website of the OSHA.

Premium OSHA-rated ship ladders

If you are in need of OSHA-rated ship ladders, Alaco Ladder Company offers a wide range of high-quality and durable roof hatch access ships ladders and mezzanine access ships ladders.

Please feel free to call us at (888) 310-7040 for questions and inquiries.