Bulletin No.: 12/1998

Date (Y-M-D): 1998-10-16
 

Subject: Access Ladders and Gangways

A recent accident investigation identified that a major contributing factor to the accident was an unsecured gangway to the ship.

Ship owners, stevedoring companies and their respective representatives are reminded of their responsibility to provide safe passage to and from the ship in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Tackle Regulations (s.8) as well as the Safe Working Practices Regulation (s.54-60) made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act and the Marine Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, part 2 on Temporary Structures (s. 2.8-2.11) made pursuant to the Canada Labour Code, Part II.

For ease of reference, these provisions, which have the same requirements, are summarized:

Every ship that is secured alongside a wharf or another ship shall be fitted with at least one access ladder or gangway between the ship and the wharf or other ship.

Access ladders or gangways which lead to a location on board a ship more than 1 m above the deck, are required to be provided with steps. Where a platform is provided at the bottom of an access ladder or gangway, the platform shall be flat and horizontal.

Bulwark ladders used to provide access to the deck of a ship, shall be firmly secured to the bulwark to prevent shifting, slipping or pivoting and be equipped with two handhold stanchions.

Access ladders and gangways are required to be maintained in a safe condition, illuminated and suitably rigged and maintained to compensate for the movement of the ship. It is also required that a lifebuoy, that has an attached line, be strategically placed and ready for immediate use.

Where an access ladder or gangway is being used by a person to board or disembark from a ship, at least one end of the ladder or gangway is required to be fastened securely. If necessary an employee, other than an employee engaged in maneuvering the ship, shall be stationed at the ladder or gangway to assist the person using it.

A safety net is required to be fitted under every part of an access ladder or gangway except where the ladder or gangway and the approaches are constructed in a manner that makes the fitting of a safety net unnecessary; or the fitting of a safety net is not practicable. Every safety net must extend on both sides of the access ladder or gangway for a distance of 1.8 m, and be kept taut at all times.

For specific requirements, consult the sections of the regulations referred to above. This information is accessible through the Transport Canada, Marine Safety Web-site at: http://www.tc.gc.ca.

To add or change your address, contact us at: marinesafety@tc.gc.ca

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