Marine Orders - Part 21: Safety of navigation and emergency procedures, Issue 6 (Order No. 2 of 2009)
3Accommodation ladders
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3 Accommodation ladders
3.1 Design
3.1.1 An accommodation ladder may be a single‑flight, a multi‑flight or a telescopic ladder.
3.1.2 Where an accommodation ladder is of the multi‑flight type, an intermediate platform must be self‑levelling.
3.1.3 A telescopic ladder must be provided with substantial pins or other effective means to enable the ladder sections to be locked together to prevent them moving relative to each other.
3.2 Platforms
3.2.1 The upper end of an accommodation ladder must be hinged from a fixed or revolving platform, which platform shall be secured to the ship and effectively supported to remain horizontal in use.
3.2.2 The lower end of an accommodation ladder must be fitted with a platform, which platform, and any intermediate platform fitted in a multi‑flight ladder, must be effectively supported to remain horizontal in use.
Note: It is recommended that the lower end of an accommodation ladder which is intended to rest on a wharf in use, should be fitted with wheels or rollers to enable free movement.
3.2.3 The sides of every platform, with the exception of access openings, must be fenced in accordance with 3.4 of this Appendix.
3.3 Treads
3.3.1 The treads of an accommodation ladder must be:
(a) at least 550 mm in clear width;
(b) provided with a non‑slip surface of adequate depth;
(c) spaced at suitable and equally spaced intervals; and
(d) subject to 3.3.2, of such shape and design that at any working angle of the ladder, a person is not required to step upon a corner edge of a tread but will have available a flat or curved surface.
3.3.2 Where a ship constructed before 25 May 1980 is equipped with an accommodation ladder, fitted with fixed flat treads, which may be positioned at such an angle as to require a person using it to step upon a corner edge of a tread, that ladder may be used provided that it is fitted with suitable cleated duckboards securely attached to the ladder.
3.4 Side rails and stanchions
3.4.1 An accommodation ladder must be fenced on each side of its entire length with upper and intermediate side rails.
3.4.2 The height of a side rail must be measured from the surface of the treads, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ladder.
3.4.3 Side rails must not be more than 0.61 m apart and the upper rail must be at a height of not less than 1.07 m.
3.4.4 In the case of a ship that is not registered in Australia, the use of side rails that do not comply with 3.4.3 of this Appendix is permitted if, in the opinion of a surveyor, they provide adequate protection.