Schedule 2 Access on board vessels
(subsection 15(2))
1 Requirement for access to enclosed cargo spaces
Any cargo space that has a depth of at least 1.5 m from the level of the uppermost deck of the space to the bottom of the space must have at least 1 unobstructed means of access from the uppermost deck of the space to the level where the loading or unloading is to take place.
2 Access openings
(1) Access to an enclosed cargo space must include an access opening and an adjacent permanent ladder, both:
(a) clear of the hatchway through which cargo is loaded or unloaded; and
(b) located so that a person using the access will not enter the operating area directly below the cargo hatchway.
(2) An opening for access to an enclosed cargo space must:
(a) be:
(i) for a vessel built before 1 August 1998 — at least 550 mm by 550 mm; or
(ii) in any other case — clear of all obstructions by at least 600 mm by 600 mm within the coaming; and
(b) continue to the deck or platform below on an axis parallel to the ladder; and
(c) have fittings beside the opening that provide a secure handhold and foothold for persons using the opening.
3 Access covers to enclosed cargo spaces
A cover or closing appliance fitted to an access to an enclosed cargo space opening must be securable in the open position.
4 Coamings where fitted to allow access to enclosed cargo spaces
(1) If a coaming fitted to an access opening is more than 450 mm above the deck, steps, cleats or rungs must be fitted inside the coaming to form a continuation of the access ladder:
(a) to within 450 mm from the top of the coaming; and
(b) providing a foothold:
(i) at least 300 mm wide; and
(ii) with tread depth for a step, or clearance from the coaming for a rung or cleat, of at least 150 mm; and
(c) spaced at equal intervals corresponding to the steps or rungs of the access ladder; and
(d) constructed to prevent slipping.
(2) For a coaming that is more than 900 mm above the deck, there must be steps or cleats outside the coaming suitable for use by a person climbing over the coaming to enter or leave the hatch.
5 Access in bulk carriers
(1) If bulk cargo is to be loaded into or unloaded from a cargo space, there must be means for a person to escape from the cargo space in an emergency.
(2) In a bulk carrier, a cargo space requiring personnel access for loading or unloading must have:
(a) a means of access that complies with:
(i) clause 1, if the conditions mentioned in clause 1 apply; and
(ii) clauses 2, 3, 4 and 9; and
(b) for a vessel built after 16 November 1986 — a second means of access that may be:
(i) an inclined ladder; or
(ii) a series of staggered vertical ladders linking landing platforms.
6 Access in cellular container vessels
(1) The means of access to an enclosed cargo space in a cellular container vessel must be an inclined ladder or a series of staggered vertical ladders fitted between adjacent transverse webs or stringers that serve as platforms or passageways.
(2) Each ladder must be no more than 6 m long.
(3) A passageway between ladders must be at least 600 mm wide.
Note For guidance on access on hatchless container vessels — see MSC.1/Circ.1263.
7 Access in other types of vessels
(1) A cargo space in a vessel constructed after 1 January 2017, other than a bulk carrier or a cellular container vessel, must have at least 2 means of access.
(2) The means of access must:
(a) be arranged diagonally within the hold; and
(b) be separated as far apart longitudinally, and athwartships, as possible.
(3) At least 1 means of access must comply with:
(i) clause 1, if the conditions mentioned in clause 1 apply; and
(ii) clauses 2, 3, 4 and 9.
(4) A vessel constructed after 16 November 1986 but before 1 August 1998, other than a bulk carrier or a cellular container vessel, must comply with subclause 6.2 of Appendix 7 of Marine Orders Part 32 Cargo Handling Equipment Issue 2, as in force on 1 February 1998.
(5) A vessel constructed after 31 July 1998, but before 1 January 2017, other than a bulk carrier or a cellular container vessel, must comply with subclause 7 of Schedule 2 of Marine Order 32, issue 3 (Cargo handling equipment), as in force on 6 December 2011.
8 Access to containers and lashing of containers
(1) Access for crew to or near the top of a container or barge stowed on a vessel for loading or unloading must be in accordance with section 7.8.3 of the ILO Code.
(2) Container lashing devices must be uniform and compatible, with as few twistlock types as practicable, and there must be clear written instructions, in English and in the working language of the vessel, for their use.
9 Passageways
(1) A passageway, other than between ladders on a cellular container vessel, that is part of a means of access to a cargo space must be at least:
(a) for an entrance doorway or opening through a structural member such as a bulkhead or web-frame — 600 mm wide and 2 m high, less the height of any sill not more than 450 mm high; or
(b) in any other case — 600 mm wide and 2 m high.
(2) If temporary fencing is used in a passageway, the passageway width may be reduced to 550 mm.
10 Hatchway covers and hatchway beams
(1) A hatchway cover that is not mechanically operated:
(a) must have loose gear suitable for removing and replacing it; and
(b) if it is intended to be lifted by hand — must have adequate handgrips; and
(c) unless each hatchway cover of that part of the vessel is interchangeable — must be plainly marked to indicate the deck and hatchway to which it belongs and its position on the hatchway; and
(d) must, together with its hatchway beams, be in good condition, and well fitting and secure when in position.
(2) For cargo operations conducted through a hatchway that is partially uncovered:
(a) the opening must allow cargo to pass through; and
(b) any hatchway cover beside the opening must be secured to prevent accidental dislodgment.
(3) A hatchway cover may only be used for covering a hatchway.
(4) A hatchway cover removed from a hatchway must be placed or secured so that it cannot fall into the hold if it is dislodged.
(5) If cargo operations are conducted through a hatchway fitted with mechanically operated hatchway covers, the covers must be secured in the stowed position.
(6) Any hatchway cover on which there is a mechanical stowing appliance must be able to support the axle loading of the appliance when it is handling cargo.
(7) Cargo may be loaded on a hatchway cover only if the cover is strong enough or sufficiently reinforced to support the cargo.
11 Permanent ladders
(1) A permanent ladder beside an access opening must be:
(a) if the vertical distance between the upper surface of adjacent decks separated vertically or between deck and the bottom of the cargo space is less than 6 m:
(i) a vertical ladder on which the upper end must extend at least 1 m above the opening to which it provides access; or
(ii) an inclined ladder; and
(b) if the vertical distance between the upper surfaces of adjacent decks separated vertically or between deck and the bottom of the cargo space is more than 6 m — an inclined ladder; and
(c) designed and arranged so that the risk of damage from the cargo loading or discharging gear is minimised.
(2) For a vessel without a ‘tween deck, the uppermost 2.5 m of a cargo space measured clear of overhead obstructions, and the lowest 6 m of a cargo space, may have vertical ladders if the vertical extent of any inclined ladders connecting the vertical ladders is at least 2.5 m.
12 Ladder design
(1) A permanent ladder used for access to a cargo space must comply with this Schedule.
(2) There must be a clear area in accordance with clause 15 at the top and bottom of each section of a permanent ladder.
13 Vertical ladders
(1) For a vertical ladder:
(a) its inclination to the horizontal may be less than 65° only if it is for a sloping end of a hold in a bulk carrier and is not longer than 6 m; and
(b) its rungs must be spaced at equal intervals of not more than 350 mm and not less than 250 mm and provide a foothold for a width of at least 300 mm; and
(c) its rungs must be:
(i) solid metal rods with a diameter at least 25 mm; or
(ii) solid metal square bars with sides at least 22 mm and constructed so that 1 of the diagonals of the square is oriented vertically; and
(d) it must provide a secure handhold; and
(e) its side rails must be in a vertical plane.
(2) For a vessel built after 1 August 1998, the vertical length between platforms outside a cargo space must not be more than 6 m.
Note: Example A crane pedestal.
14 Inclined ladders
(1) For an inclined ladder:
(a) it must be inclined at not more than 65° to the horizontal; and
(b) its steps must be spaced at equal intervals of not more than 350 mm and not less than 250 mm with a foothold at least 450 mm wide; and
(c) each step must be:
(i) checkered steel plate with a bearing surface at least 115 mm deep and the leading edge rounded; or
(ii) a solid metal rod with a diameter at least 25 mm; or
(iii) a solid metal square bar with sides at least 22 mm and constructed so that 1 of the diagonals of the square is oriented vertically; and
(d) for a ladder with metal bar steps — it must have at least 2 parallel bars arranged on the same horizontal plane, with the distance between the centres of adjacent bars at least 65 mm and not more than 75 mm; and
(e) its side rails must be in a vertical plane; and
(f) it must be fitted on each side with:
(i) a metal handrail of at least 25 mm diameter; or
(ii) a suitably tensioned steel wire rope of at least 8 mm diameter encased in PVC tubing of at least 25 mm diameter, substantially supported so that the handrail is parallel to the ladder through points measured l m vertically above the centre of the steps, with the horizontal distance separating the handrails at least 550 mm and not more than 750 mm.
(2) For a vessel built before 1 August 1998, an inclined ladder with steps that do not comply with paragraph (1)(d) may continue to be used if the gap between adjacent bars of any step is at least 50 mm and not more than 75 mm.
Note Any replacement ladder would have to comply with paragraph (1)(d).
(3) An inclined ladder may be arranged in the form of a spiral stairway and must comply with subclause (1) with the following modifications:
(a) the depth of tread at mid-width of each step must be an arc of at least 150 mm and concentric with the perimeter of the spiral stairway;
(b) 1 rail only, on the outer perimeter of the spiral, need be fitted.
15 Clearances
The following rules apply for clearances:
(a) there must be a clear space of 760 mm by 760 mm in front of each rung of a vertical ladder with no obstructions intruding into the space;
(b) however, the space may be reduced to 600 mm by 600 mm in a trunked accessway;
(c) any obstruction (such as stiffeners or deck plates protruding into the clear space) reducing clearance to less than 650 mm from the ladder to the opposite wall must be plated over or otherwise protected;
(d) a lamp fitting in a trunked accessway must be sited in corners only, with minimum possible projection;
(e) the clearance behind the ladder must be at least 150 mm from the centre of the tread or the rung;
(f) there must be at least 75 mm for hand clearance on each side of the ladder and around vertical hand grips;
(g) access space in front of the rungs of an inclined ladder must be at least 1850 mm measured vertically above the centre of each step;
(h) there must be a gap of 35 mm behind the tread to minimise build up of material that may impair the foothold.
16 Landing platforms
(1) A landing platform must comply with this Schedule and be spaced not more than 6 m apart vertically on vertical or inclined ladders.
Note This does not apply to a spiral stairway.
(2) A vertical ladder must be fitted so that:
(a) the upper end of each section of ladder extends at least 1 m above, and provides access to, a platform displaced to the side of the ladder; or
(b) there are hand grips in line with the ladder rungs and at the same spacing, or a pair of vertical hand grips in line with the ladder stiles.
Note Hand grips, or additional hand grips, may be displaced to the side of the ladder stiles if this will help persons transferring between ladder and platform.
(3) There must be a landing platform in accordance with subclause (1) if there is a change in slope or a change in alignment of adjacent sections of a permanent ladder, other than in the lowest 6 m of the cargo space or where a section of a ladder terminates at a working deck (ie a deck in a space where cargo is designed to be stowed or handled) or bottom of the space.
(4) A landing platform must:
(a) be at least 750 mm by 750 mm:
(i) measured in the horizontal plane, clear of ladders and obstructions, such as the opening arrangement of any door or hatch; and
(ii) that must be increased if a door opening onto a platform would unduly restrict the available space; and
(b) have a surface of a non-slip construction; and
(c) be fitted with a rigid handrail 1 m above the platform surface and an intermediate rail about midway between the top rail and the platform on each side, other than where there is a ladder; and
(d) be fitted with a toe board at least 100 mm above the walking surface around the periphery of the platform, other than where there is a ladder; and
(e) have a head clearance of at least 2 m measured vertically above the surface of the platform.
Note For a vessel built before 1 January 2015 — see section 32.
17 Crane operator’s cabin
The cabin of a crane that is not fitted with remote controls in accordance with clause 6 of Division 3 of Schedule 6 must:
(a) give the operator, from the operating position of the crane, a clear and unrestricted view of the load and area of cargo operations or of a person directing cargo operations; and
(b) for any window that normally gives the operator, from the operating position of the crane, a view of the load and area of cargo operations or of a person directing cargo operations — have a device that effectively clears rain or moisture; and
(c) give the operator ready access to the operating position and to all necessary controls and switches; and
(d) be adequately heated in cold weather by means that do not emit noxious or objectionable fumes; and
(e) be adequately ventilated by mechanical means; and
(f) be equipped with a suitable seat and, if necessary, footrests;
(g) if fitted with an access door:
(i) allow the door to be operated from both inside and outside the cabin; and
(ii) have an opening at least 550 mm wide and 1850 mm high (including any sill up to 450 mm); and
(iii) if the type of door may prevent rescue in an emergency — allow access to the cabin through a second opening; and
(h) be constructed of fire-proof materials; and
(i) for an electrically operated crane or a crane in which electrical equipment connected with the crane’s operation is installed — have a fire extinguisher that complies with the Australian Standard or an international equivalent; and
(j) shield the operating position and seat from the effects of radiated heat from the driving mechanism; and
(k) if the crane can hoist a load to the level of the operating position — have any window that is at risk of being struck by a swinging load fitted with laminated glass, toughened safety glass or a material offering equivalent protection; and
(l) have illumination operable from the control position.
18 Access to crane operating position
(1) Access to the operating position of a crane must be by:
(a) a spiral stairway ladder; or
(b) an inclined ladder or ladders; or
(c) a vertical ladder or ladders; or
(d) any combination of spiral stairway, inclined or vertical ladders.
(2) For an access opening in a crane pedestal:
(a) the top of the opening must be at least 1850 mm above the deck; and
(b) any sill must not be more than 450 mm high; and
(c) it must have a clear width of at least 550 mm.
(3) If the access is inside the structure of the crane or crane pedestal:
(a) there must be an emergency escape, outside the structure, at least 550 mm by 550 mm to allow descent to a safe surface in any position the crane may stop; or
(b) there must be:
(i) no machinery sited in the access way; and
(ii) lighting for the access route; and
(iii) sealed metal conduit that contain any electrical wiring in the access way, other than for light fittings; and
(iv) properly secured metal boxes that contain any electrical equipment in the access way.
Note: Example 1
Note: An appropriate safe escape provision may include any of the following:
Note: (a) fixed ladders in conjunction with platforms or landings;
Note: (b) fixed rungs with a landing ledge, together with handrail, leading to a vertical ladder;
Note: (c) a wire rope ladder, permanently secured at its upper end, that when deployed allows descent to a safe surface from any position at which the crane may stop;
Note: (d) controlled descent devices, or other emergency escape devices, that:
Note: (i) comply with relevant Australian or international standards; and
Note: (ii) are subject to a documented regular inspection and testing regime carried out and controlled under the vessel’s safety management system; and
Note: (iii) have instructions, in English and easily legible, for their use displayed where the equipment is to be used; and
Note: (iv) have maintenance records available to the person in charge or an inspector on request.
Note: Example 2
Note: Electrical equipment may be considered to be properly secured in a metal box if it is necessary to use a screwdriver, spanner or special tool to open the box.
(4) There must be written instructions for use of the means of escape in the cabin.
(5) A vertical external access ladder that is at least 3 m long, or any length if the crane can be located so that a person using the ladder could fall into a cargo space, overboard or onto a deck lower than that on which the ladder originates, must have a ladder cage that would substantially prevent the fall if:
(a) the vessel’s structure does not provide equivalent protection; or
(b) it is not an emergency escape ladder.
(6) For subclause (5), the ladder cage must have cage hoops and longitudinal strips of adequate strength fitted as follows:
(a) cage hoops uniformly spaced at intervals up to 900 mm, so that:
(i) any of the following:
(A) if the top of the ladder ends at the edge of a platform or deck — the topmost cage hoop is attached to the upper guard-rail;
(B) if the top of the ladder ends at an access opening in a platform or deck — the topmost cage hoop is fitted just below the level of the platform;
(C) if the cage longitudinals are secured to the platform or deck — the topmost hoop may be sited within 900 mm below the platform or deck;
(ii) the lowest cage hoop is at least 2 m and not more than 2.2 m above the deck or platform beside the base of the ladder;
(b) cage longitudinals, secured to the cage hoops, suitably spaced to prevent a person falling away from the ladder;
(c) a rear half of the cage approximately semi-circular in shape;
(d) clear internal width of at least 550 mm and maximum clearance between the ladder rungs and the back of the cage of at least 750 mm;
(e) the hoops and strips must not hinder use of the ladder rungs or handholds.
(7) A platform on a crane must be adequate for the purpose and must comply with this Schedule other than subclause (9).
(8) If a ladder gives access to a crane through an opening in a platform on the crane:
(a) the ladder stringers must extend at least 1 m above the floor level of the platform, or handgrips must be provided to that height; and
(b) the end of each stringer must be provided with adequate lateral support; and
(c) the top step or rung of the ladder must not exceed 1 tread pitch below the floor of the platform.
(9) A walkway or platform providing access around or along a crane must:
(a) be at least 550 mm wide; and
(b) provide safe access to and from the crane at any operating angle of luff or slew of the crane.
(10) A ladder giving access to the operator’s position of a crane must be not be located over any access opening in the floor of a platform or walkway in the stowed position of the jib or the normal parked position of the crane.
(11) An internal access opening to a crane cabin must have:
(a) if the access is from a machinery space — a fire and smoke resistant hinged cover or door; and
(b) if the access is through the floor but not from a machinery space — a hinged cover.
(12) Subclause (11) applies to a crane:
(a) installed on a vessel built after 11 August 1997; or
(b) on which an existing cover is replaced.
(13) Subclauses (1), (2), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (11) and (12) do not apply to a derrick crane.
(14) Subclause (3) and (9) apply to a derrick crane to the extent that its application is relevant and practical.
(15) A crane installed on a vessel before 17 November 1986 must comply with subclause (3) to (10) to the extent that it is technically practicable.
19 Weather protection
There must be adequate weather protection for the driver at each winch operating position.