At Safeway360 we are specialists in the implementation of fixed ladders, but always respecting the strictest safety regulations. Below, I tell you everything you need to know about the regulation and safety details.
Contenidos
Cat staircase regulations in Europe.
In this article, we will rely on the most relevant regulations, such as Royal Decree 486/1997 on minimum safety and health provisions in workplaces, NTP 408 on fixed service ladders, and UNE EN ISO 14122-4:2016, which details the requirements for permanent means of access by fixed ladders.
Key regulatory requirements:
Royal Decree 486/1997, in its Annex I, establishes the basic characteristics that a fixed service ladder must comply with. Here we present the most relevant aspects:
- Strength and resistance: All stairways must withstand the loads to which they will be subjected.
- Stability: The fastening systems must ensure that the ladder remains stable at all times.
Specifications of a cat ladder:
According to point 8 of RD 486/1997, these must have the following measures:
- Minimum widths: 40 cm, with a maximum distance between steps of 30 cm.
- Minimum clearances: The separation of the front of the steps from any wall shall be at least 75 cm; from the back of the steps, 16 cm of clearance, from the nearest fixed object.
- Fall protection: Ladders with a height of more than 4 meters must be equipped with safety cages or equivalent fall protection systems.
- Rest platforms: Every 9 meters or fraction thereof, but in stairways exceeding 9 meters, these must be installed every 9 meters or fraction thereof.
These guidelines ensure that ladders are adapted to the specific conditions of the environment and that risks to workers are minimized.
Dimensions and technical characteristics of cat stairs:
The measurements and technical specifications stipulate in detail the dimensions for each type of staircase:
- Inclined stairs: with an inclination between 60 and 75 degrees, a space between steps of 25 to 30 centimeters and a minimum width of 40 centimeters.
- Separate and integrated vertical stairs: must have, between steps, 23 to 30 centimeters of space, a depth between 20 and 51 millimeters and a free area of 15 centimeters between the step and the adjacent wall.
- On stairways over 6m high: a guardrail must be installed starting 2.5 meters above the ground, with a maximum diameter of 60 centimeters to ensure safety in case of an accidental fall.
Associated risks and how to reduce them:
INSST, through NTP 408, describes the intrinsic risks of the use of fixed ladders and how to reduce them through correct design, installation and use. Ladders are classified into three main types:
The inclined ladder: Installed on an almost vertical surface, with rungs fixed to the structure.
The separate vertical ladder: With rungs attached to side stringers, generally used in towers or tanks.
The integrated vertical ladder: With rungs fixed directly to the vertical structure.
In addition, common hazards such as slips, injuries from metal burrs or splinters are mentioned, and personal protection systems and the restricted use of these ladders only for sporadic access are recommended.
What are the uses of cat ladders in industry?
Cat ladders are indispensable in many industrial environments thanks to their compact and vertical design. Because they require little space, they are the best choice when space is limited or when access to elevated levels is required quickly and safely:
- Infrastructure maintenance is one of the most common uses for ladders. From telecommunication towers to water tanks, these ladders facilitate inspection, repair and other maintenance work for technicians in inaccessible areas.
- Chemical and petrochemical industries : In high-risk sectors, such as the chemical and petrochemical industries, jacking ladders provide safe access to elevated equipment such as storage tanks, industrial stacks or ventilation areas.
- Industrial equipment installation :The installation and maintenance of equipment in industrial plants typically involves the use of ladders to safely access features such as large machines, pipelines or elevated platforms. The efficiency and safety of these accesses are ensured with ladders that facilitate risk-free work. Ladders must be supplemented with fall protection systems and permanent anchors to ensure worker safety.
- Access to roofs and rooftops: Accessing roofs and rooftops in commercial and industrial buildings is commonly possible thanks to ladders. The revision of air conditioning systems and the installation of solar panels requires safety and compliance with current regulations, which cat ladders greatly facilitate.
The importance of inspection and maintenance
The installation of a cat ladder is not enough, it is necessary to inspect it periodically to ensure its long-term safety. According to industrial safety standards, regular inspections must be performed to detect signs of wear, corrosion or structural defects that may compromise its integrity. The use of jacking ladders may seem simple, but they require careful planning and regulatory compliance. They are essential, not only for access and maintenance tasks in industry, but their correct use and maintenance can make the difference between a safe working environment and a hazardous one.
Would you like to learn more about how to implement cat stairs that meet all safety regulations? At Safeway360 we can help you with installation and maintenance, ensuring your work environment meets the highest safety standards. Contact us.
