Are your familiar with the 2017 OSHA 1910.25 Code for the Ships Stair (aka Ships Ladder)?

1. 4188 East Andrew Johnson
Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
www.precisionladders.com
SL Series Ship Ladders
© Precision Ladders 2017

2. Ships Ladders

3. There are 3 Types of
Ships Ladders:
• To a Hatch• Walk-thru• Cross-over

4. Ships Ladders
• Technical term = inclined ladder
• Used similar to vertical ladders
• Handrail configurations fitted for hatch openings
or walk-thrus

5. Ships Ladders
• Provides easier climb, sacrifices floor
space
• Standards usually 5” deep treads with
an anti-slip surface for IBC and 4”
minimum for OSHA
• Handrails on both sides
• Typical ship ladders angle 50° - 70°

6. Ships Ladders Applications

7. Ships Ladder Application

8. Ships Ladders

9. Applicable Codes for Ships Ladders
• IBC-International
Building Code
• National code
• IBC 1011.15
• http://codes.iccsafe.org
Note: Some states may have special code requirements
• OSHA-Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration
• OSHA 1910.25
• www.OSHA.gov
• Websites offer easy code reference

10. Ships Ladders IBC 1011.15
8-1/2” min
5” min
9-1/2” max
• Minimum tread depth 5”
• Total tread depth + nosing
minimum 8 ½”
• Maximum rise 9 ½”
• 50 – 70 degree angle
5

11. Ships Ladders OSHA 1910.25
4” min
6 ½ - 12”
max
• Minimum tread depth 4”
• Vertical rise between 6 ½
- 12 inches
• 50 – 70 degree angle
50 – 70 degree
angle

12. Ships Ladders
30-34”
• Handrails uniform
• Minimum 30” and
maximum 34” above tread
nosing
• Varies by pitch

13. Ships Ladders
20” min
• Handrails provided both sides
• Minimum clear width 20” IBC
• Minimum clear width 18”
OSHA

14. Ships Ladder Common Applications

15. 4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
800-225-7814
www.precisionladders.com
SL Series Ship Ladders
© Precision Ladders 2017