- PSC may cite deficiency 07120 if gaps exist between ladders and decks.
- SOLAS II-2/13.4.2.4 requires steel shields for inclined ladders and stairways.
- Shields must provide continuous protection against heat and flame.
In light of recent findings from Port State Control (PSC) regarding the design and installation of heat shielding ladders that serve as escape routes from machinery spaces, ABS has stepped up to offer some guidance on ladders and stairways used for escaping engine rooms. In a letter addressed to the industry, ABS pointed out that PSC inspectors might flag a deficiency under 07120, Means of Escape, if there’s a gap in the heat shielding between the ladder and the deck it connects to, reports IIMS.
Regulatory Requirements
According to SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 13.4.2.4, Inclined Ladders and Stairways: “For ships constructed on or after 1 January 2016, all inclined ladders/stairways fitted to comply with paragraph 4.2.1 with open treads in machinery spaces being part of or providing access to escape routes but not located within a protected enclosure shall be made of steel. Such ladders/stairways shall be fitted with steel shields attached to their undersides, such as to provide escaping personnel protection against heat and flame from beneath.”
Ladders are required to be designed and constructed with steel shields attached to their undersides, providing continuous protection against heat and flame from deck to deck.
Guidance on Compliance
For steel shields that are attached to the undersides of ladders and stairways in category A machinery spaces, especially those that are part of or provide access to escape routes not situated within a protected enclosure, these shields must extend to cover any gaps between the ladders/stairways and the platforms. This is to ensure that anyone escaping is shielded from heat and flames coming from below. If extending the steel shield as originally designed or constructed with the ladder isn’t feasible due to how the inclined ladders/stairways connect to the ship’s platforms or decks, ABS suggests the following:
- Install an additional steel shield underneath to bridge any gaps.
- Make sure this extra shield doesn’t obstruct the safe movement of personnel.
Adding these steel shields to cover any gaps will help ensure that the ladder meets the SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1.5 and II-2/13.4.2.4.
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Source: IIMS
