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4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway

Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
education@precisionladders.com

Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway


Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway
Automatic Super Simplex
FL Series Wall Ladders
AT Alternating Tread
SL Series Ships Ladders
Industrial Stairs
Roof Hatches

© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013


An American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Continuing Education Program
Approved Promotional Statement:

0 Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of
Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program
will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are
available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with
+80%.

Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through
RBA.

0 This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As
such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or
endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or
any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or
product.
An American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Continuing Education Program
0 Course Format: This is a structured, web-based course with a final exam
0 Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour
0 Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can print one upon
successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any
difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to:
certificate@ronblank.com

0 Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion


after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sent to
the email address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account.
Course Description
This course will discuss different types of ladders and stairways, and
the various applications in which they can be safely used. The designer
will also learn about codes and minimum requirements necessary to
adhere to standards both dimensionally and for fire ratings.
Learning Objectives

By completing this course, the design professional will be able to:


0 Identify the types of fixed access ladders, ships ladders, alternating
tread, industrial stairs and disappearing stairways.
0 Describe applications for each type of fixed ladder, ships ladder,
alternating tread, industrial stairs or disappearing stairways.
0 List the applicable building code considerations.
0 Accurately specify the ladder or stairway needed for a project based on
the application and applicable building code.
LADDER

0 A climbing device used to access any level at a different elevation.

0 Usage, length and how you exit the ladder determine what options are
required to meet code (cages, walk-thru, overshoot, etc…).
STAIRWAY

0 A means of access consisting of stairs.

Disappearing Stairway:

0 An inclined climbing system that disappears into the ceiling when not in
use.
Ladders and Stairways
Typical Applications
0 Schools
0 Banks
0 Restaurants
0 Sports arenas
0 Churches
0 Drug stores
0 Government buildings
0 Hospitals
0 Laboratories
0 Libraries
0 Museums
0 Better residences
0 Airport control towers
0 Retail stores
Three Types of Fixed Vertical Ladders

0 Hatch Access =
Exiting through a
Hatch

0 Walk-Thru = Stepping Forward

0 Overshoot = Side Exit


Hatch Access Vertical Ladders

Typically the most narrow and can be equipped with hand-hold devices
(i.e. safety post) to aid the climber entering and exiting the opening (roof
hatch, floor door, sewer, etc…).
Fixed Vertical Ladders with
Walk-thrus for Roof Access
0 A Walk-thru can also be called a
roof-over or side rail extension.

0 This option is used when the


climber exits the ladder straight
ahead / between the side rails.
Fixed Vertical Ladders with
Walk-thrus for Mezzanines and Catwalks
0 A ladder with a walk-thru can be
used to access the intermediate
level above (mezzanines, catwalks,
etc...).
Fixed Vertical Ladders with Walk-thrus
for Platforms and Landings
0 A platform is used when crossing over
parapet walls that can not be used as a
step.
0 This application can also contain a return
ladder on the backside if the platform is
more than 12” for egress to the roof deck.
0 Parapet platforms are typically 6” above
wall height.
Fixed Vertical Ladders with Overshoot
(Side Exit)
0 Ladder extends above
the exit point to allow the
climber easy egress left
or right exit.
0 Platforms or Landings.
0 Elevator Pit Ladders.
0 Offset Ladders on Silos
or Storage Tanks.
0 Barn Loft.
Three Types of Ships Ladders

Hatch Access Crossover Walk-thru


Hatch Access Ships Ladders

Typically the most narrow and can be equipped with hand-hold devices
(i.e. safety post) to aid the climber entering and exiting the opening (roof
hatch, floor door, etc…).
Crossover Ships Ladders

When required to crossover a structure, two ships ladders and a platform


are used (bridge).
Walk-thru Ships Ladders

This option is used when the climber exits the ladder straight ahead
between the rails.
Alternating Tread (Ships) Ladders

0 Alternating Tread (ships)


ladders allow the user to
walk down the ladder face-
forward thus giving the user
clear view of the floor below.
0 Some common applications
for Alternating Tread ladders
include: guard towers,
observation stations, control
rooms, mezzanine access,
and roof access.
Three Types of Fixed Industrial
Stairways

“Crossover” or Bridge Stairs Stairway to a Hatch Stairway with Mezzanine


Fixed Industrial Stairways

0 Industrial stairways include interior and exterior


stairs around machinery, tanks, and other
equipment, and stairs leading to or from floors,
platforms, or pits.
0 Standard stairs are used to provide access from
one walking-working surface to another when
operations necessitate regular and routine travel
between levels, including access to operating
platforms for equipment.
0 Standard stairs have a climbing angle between
30 to 50 degrees which means the user can
carry items (such as toolboxes, equipment,
crates, etc.) up and down these stairs and meet
OSHA code when accessing mezzanines,
catwalks, roof hatches, etc.
NOTE: With the new OSHA code you cannot build a standard stair with an incline greater than 45 degrees.
Disappearing Stairways
(a.k.a Retractable Attic Stairs)

0 Inclined ladder style climbing


system that disappears into the
ceiling when not in use.
0 Applications include access to roof
deck, attic space or elevated
walkways.
0 This product is available in various
duty ratings ranging from light
weight residential to heavy duty
industrial.
0 Product can be purchased for fire-
rated installations or applications.
0 Available in Automatic = No
manual assistance.
Manual Disappearing Stairways
(a.k.a Folding Retractable Attic Stairs)
Automatic Disappearing Stairways
(a.k.a Folding Retractable Attic Stairs)
Automatic Electric Disappearing
Stairways
Applicable Codes for
Fixed Vertical Ladders
0 OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Admin.) 1910.23 www.OSHA.gov

0 ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A14.3 www.ANSI.org

0 OSHA and ANSI code are similar. The more stringent code element in
each is used as a guideline in this presentation.
0 OSHA refers to ANSI but alters its version of the code.
0 Best Practice: Select manufacturers that choose to build to the more
strict of the two codes in all cases and will inform you when your ladder
can not comply with one or the other.
0 Some states may have special code requirements (example: Minnesota
Section 306.5 [Roof Equipment Access] – no vertical ladders, spiral
stairs, or half tread ships ladders. (alternating tread devices)
Manufactures will advise you on exact requirements.
Three Areas of Angle

0 Ladders may not have angles


greater than 90°
0 Preferred pitch – 76° to 90°
0 Substandard pitch (inclined, ships
ladder) – 60° to 75°

0 Fixed stairway pitch – 31° to 49°


(different than disappearing stairway)
Fixed Vertical Ladders

Loading Requirements:
0 Live Load per Rung
0 250 lbs. (ANSI)
0 Note: Industry standard is +/- 1000 lbs.
Fixed Vertical Ladders

Steps, Rungs, or Cleats:


0 The requirement is to provide a burr free power grip surface. Any shape
is accepted.
0 ¾” min cross section std.
0 1” min in high corrosion areas
0 Some type of anti-slip texture is preferred but not addressed in codes.
Fixed Vertical Ladders

Step or Rung Placement:


0 First rung is level with the exit point at
the top of the ladder.
0 Rungs descend in 12” increments.
0 Spacing must be equal.
0 Bottom rung must be within 14” of the
ground.

Top Rung Placement Detail


Fixed Vertical Ladders

Step or Rung Vertical Spacing:


0 ANSI says12” max tread spacing
12” MAX
uniform throughout the climb.
0 OSHA says 10-14” vertical spacing and
does not address the bottom rung.
0 ANSI states bottom rung must not 14” MAX
exceed 14” above ground (relative).

Width of Step:
0 16” min clear width between side rails.
16” min
Fixed Vertical Ladders

Clear Space Behind Ladder:


0 7” min from center line of rung
to wall or nearest object.
0 Exceptions for unavoidable 7” min
obstructions are rarely granted.

7”
MIN
Climber Clearance:
0 Clear Width – 15” left and right
of the center line of the ladder
except when cages are
required.

15” min 15” min


Climber Clearance

From the center line of the rung to the nearest object shall be 30” on
vertical ladders, 36” at a pitch of 76°, and on all others a proportional
distance determined by the slope. (24” with deflector plate)

2’ - 6”

7”
min
Fixed Vertical Ladders

Step Across Distance:


0 The distance from the top step
to a weight bearing surface
must be between 7” to 12”.

0 Platforms are required to fill


larger step across distances.
Ladder Extensions at Exits

0 If the exit is straight through,


a 42” side rail extension is
required (also called a walk-
thru, or roof over).

0 If the exit is to the left or


right, an overshoot is used.
Overshoots are at least 42”
above the top step and the
rungs are not omitted like in
the walk-thru.
Ladder Extensions at Exits

0 Side rails shall extend above the exit


point 42” and the rungs omitted for step
through ladders (walk-thru ladders).

0 24” to 30” clear opening.

0 For side exit do not omit rungs and


continue spacing till the next rung
above 42”.

0 Standard holds true for caged ladders


as well.
Safety Cages (OSHA)

0 Cages shall be provided on ladders of more than 24’.


• Existing (installed before November 19, 2018) equipped with personal fall
arrest system, ladder safety system, cage or well
• New (installed after November 19, 2018) equipped with a personal fall arrest
system or ladder safety system
• Final Deadline (on and after November 18, 2036) All fixed ladders equipped
with a person fall arrest system or ladders safety system
0 Cages shall extend a minimum of 42” above top landing.
0 Cages shall start not less than 7’ nor more than 8’ above the ground.
0 Cage sizes and shapes are set by code.
0 Recommended on shorter ladders in dangerous locations (edge of
building, around machinery, in close location to chemicals).

Code Provisions: Fixed Vertical Ladders


Safety Cages (ANSI)

0 Cages or wells shall be provided on ladders


of more than 24’ to a maximum unbroken
length of 30’ with the exception of chimneys,
water tanks and towers.
0 Cages shall extend a minimum of 42” above
top landing.
0 Cages shall start not less than 7’ nor more
than 8’ above the ground.
0 Cage sizes and shapes are set by code.
0 Recommended on shorter ladders in
dangerous locations (edge of building,
around machinery, in close location to
chemicals).
Landing Platforms

0 Landing platforms provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet.


0 These rest platforms shall be offset at each level.
0 Rest platforms shall have handrails and toe boards on all exposed
sides.
0 Landings shall be at least 24” in length and 30” in width.
0 The ladder accessing a landing shall have its rung level with the
platform.

Code Provisions: Fixed Vertical Ladders


Ladder Safety Devices
Fall Arrest Systems
0 Fall Arrest Systems can be used on all
fixed ladders, including a tower,
chimney, or water tank in excess of 24’
in unbroken length in lieu of cage
protection. No landing platform is
required in these cases.
0 Rigid Rail Systems (example shown)
0 Cable / Rope Systems
0 Spool Systems
0 All systems have the climber secured
in a harness and the unit attaches to
allow free motion but prevent free fall.

Code Provisions: Fixed Vertical Ladders


Guard Rail System for
Opening
0 A guard rail system can be used in conjunction with a roof hatch to
provide safety while open.
0 Structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds
applied in any direction at any point on the top rail.
0 OSHA code 1910.29 applies.
Folding Guard Rail System
for Roof Hatch

0 The Folding Guard Rail System


collapses to within 6” above the Roof
Hatch Cover. This keeps your OSHA
1910.29 compliant Aluminum Guard Rail
System hidden from the viewing public.
Ladder Security Doors
and Security Gates
To keep ladders secure, all manufacturers offer a security door or security
gate for new construction or retrofit.
Applicable Codes for Ship Ladders

0 IBC (International Building Code)


0 IBC 1009.11
0 www.ANSI.org

0 OSHA (Occupational Safety and


Health Administration
0 OSHA 1910.25
0 www.OSHA.gov

Note: Some states may have special


code requirements.
Note: Some states may have special code requirements
Ship Ladders

0 Ship ladders shall have a


minimum tread depth pf 5
inches (127mm). The tread
shall be projected such that
the total of the tread depth
plus the nosing projection is no 8-1/2” min
less than 8 ½ inches (216mm).
The maximum riser height
shall be 9 ½ inches (241mm).
Ship Ladders

0 Handrail height of alternating


tread devices and ship
ladders, measured above
tread nosings, shall be
uniform, not less than 30
inches (762 mm) and not
more than 34 inches (864
mm). 30-34”

0 Handrails shall be provided on


both sides of the ship ladders.
The minimum clear width at
and below the handrails shall
be 20 inches (508 mm).
20” min
Applicable Code for
Industrial Stairs

0 OSHA-Occupational Safety & Health Admin.


0 OSHA 1910.25
0 www.OSHA.gov
Industrial Stairs
0 Standard stairs shall be
designed and constructed to
carry a load of five times the
normal live load but never of
less strength than to carry
safely a moving concentrated
1,000 pounds
load of 1,000 pounds.

0 Vertical clearance above any


stair tread to an overhead 6’8” min
obstruction shall be at least
6’ 8” feet measured from the
leading edge of the tread.
Industrial Stairs

Treads:
0 Fixed stairways shall
have a minimum width
of 22 inches.

22” min

0 All treads shall be


reasonably slip-
resistant and the
nosing shall be of
nonslip finish. Anti-Slip Plate Bar Grating
Industrial Stairs

0 Standard stairs shall


be installed at angles
to the horizontal of
between 30 degrees
and 50 degrees.

0 Rise and tread width


shall be uniform
throughout any flight
of stairs including any
foundation structure
used as one or more
treads of the stairs.
Industrial Stairs
0 Stairway platforms shall be
no less than the width of a
stairway and a minimum of 30 30” min
inches in length measured in
the direction of travel.

0 Standard railings shall be


provided on the open sides of
all exposed stairways and
stair platforms. Handrails
shall be provided on at least
one side of closed stairways
preferably on the right side
descending.
Industrial Stairs

1910.28(b)(11)(ii)
Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers is equipped with stair rail systems and handrails as follows:
Table D-2 -- Stairway Handrail Requirements

With earth built up on


Stair width Enclosed One open side Two open sides both sides
Less than 44 inches (1.1 At least one handrail One stair rail system with One stair rail system with
m). handrail on open side. handrail on each open side.
44 inches (1.1 m) to 88 One handrail on each One Stair rail system with One stair rail system with
inches (2.2 m). enclosed side handrail on open side and handrail on each open side.
one handrail on enclosed
side.
Greater than 88 inches (2.2 One handrail on each One stair rail system with One stair rail system with
m). enclosed side and one handrail on open side, one handrail on each open side
intermediate handrail handrail on enclosed side, and one intermediate
located in the middle of the and one intermediate handrail located in the
stair handrail located in the middle of the stair.
middle of the stair.
Exterior stairs less than 4.4 One handrail on least one
inches (1.1 m). side.
Note to table: The width of the stair must be clear of all obstructions except handrails.
Industrial Stairs

Stair Rail =
42” minimum
Handrail = 42”
min 38”
38” maximum max
Applicable Code for
Disappearing Stairways

0 American National Standards Institute


0 ANSI A14.9
0 www.ansi.org
Disappearing Stairways

Tread Depth:
0 3” minimum residential
0 5” minimum commercial

Tread Width:
0 11” minimum residential
0 15” minimum commercial
Disappearing Stairways

Load Rating:
0 200-350 pounds residential
0 500 pounds commercial
300 pound residential
500 pound commercial

Angle:
0 All disappearing climbing
devices must be 66 degrees
or less from the horizontal.
Manual Disappearing Stairways
(Folding)
Can be installed in various
types of ceiling assemblies.
0 Truss ceilings
0 Suspended ceilings

Frame Types:
0 Box
0 Deep Box
0 Deep Angle

Check with
manufacturer
sizing.
Manual Disappearing Stairways

0 Fire-Rated
0 Non-Rated
0 Placement
0 Roof access (with hatch)
0 Attic access
0 Through ceilings to other level,
including fire-rated ceilings

0 Advantage: Can be shipped as a


complete assembly as shown
here. (roof hatch & disappearing
stairway ready to install into
opening)
Applicable Codes for Fire Rating

0 ASTM E-119:
Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and
Materials (This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials,
products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions.)
0 UBC 43-7:
0 Revised to 43-2 (Fire Test of Door Assemblies)
0 IBC:
0 406.1.4 Fire Separation (In regards to the material used to assemble)
0 711.3.2 Access Doors (Fire-Resistance Rating)
0 315.2.4 Attic (General precautions against fire)
Horizontal Fire Test of
a Disappearing Stairways
Check with
manufacturer
0 Fire-Rated Test for Fire-Rated
Unit tested in these images was installed in a complete Label
ceiling assembly.

Inside oven during the


test 1 hour at 1700 At the end of test –
degrees red hot door

Testing oven After the 2-hour test at 1800


degrees – still fully functional!
Applicable Codes for
Fire Separated Ceilings
0 2003 / 2006 IBC contains language which has made the use of a fire-
rated ceiling more common.
0 Fire-rated disappearing stairways are available.

Proliferation of
2003 / 2006 IBC
Summary
When incorporating Access Ladders & Stairways into your next project,
remember:
1. Determine which type of access ladder or stairway is needed for your
application.
2. Incorporate access ladders and stairways into the design
development phase of building.
3. Always use manufacturers who build access ladders and stairways to
OSHA, ANSI and IBC design criteria.
Course Summary

Now the design professional will be able to:


0 Identify the types of fixed access ladders and disappearing stairways.
0 Describe applications for each type of fixed ladder or disappearing
stairway.
0 List the applicable building code considerations.
0 Accurately specify the ladder or stairway needed for a project based on
the application and applicable building code.
4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
education@precisionladders.com

Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway


Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway
Automatic Super Simplex
FL Series Wall Ladders
AT Alternating Tread
SL Series Ships Ladders
Industrial Stairs
Roof Hatches

© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013

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