The 2018 version of the International Residential Code does not allow a ship ladder to be part of the means of egress with one exception. International Residential Code Ships Ladder Requirements
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The total of the tread depth plus the nosing projection must be at least 8.5".
Handrails: must be provided on both sides. Per IBC 2018 (1011.15), ship's ladders serving Use Group I-3 must meet the following: Ship's ladders are permitted to be used in Group I-3 as a component of a means of egress to and from control rooms or elevated facility observation stations not more than 250 square feet with not more than three occupants and for access to unoccupied roofs. International Building Code Ships Ladder RequirementsĪccording to the International Building Code 2018, ship ladders cannot be used as a means of egress (with one exception.) The exception, per IBC 2018 1011.15 is: Width: the clear width should be at least 18" wide. Note that IBC code for I-3 spaces calls for 5" minimum. Note IBC code for I-3 spaces calls for maximum riser height of 9.5". Risers: open risers with a vertical rise of 6.5" to 12". Live Load: at least 5x the anticipated live load, but not less than 1,000 pounds point load. Be sure you review all of the general requirements when designing a ship ladder. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910.25 must be met, including the need for guardrails, handrails, vertical clearance of 6'-8", uniform treads/risers, etc.
OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. OSHA provides ship ladders requirements (they call them ship stairs) in 29 CFR section 1910.25 ( Stairways) under paragraph (e). Ship Ladder Dimensions - Be sure to check current OSHA and local codes OSHA Ship Stairs Requirements Use your professional judgement when finalizing your design. This diagram is general in nature so it may not apply to every possible situation. The following diagram is a recommendation that combines the IBC and OSHA requirements. Of course, you should also check the OSHA codes as well as local building codes when designing a ship ladder. The width of ship ladders is usually 24" and the tread depth is 6". Vertical rise between treads is generally around 9". The angle of the ladder is usually 60°-70° and the design should use the shallowest angle possible within this range. The dimensions of ship ladders vary based on available space so they are always custom fabricated. International Residential Code Ships Ladder Requirements.International Building Code Ships Ladder Requirements.