Access Ladders And Disappearing Stairways: Code Compliant Solutions

Transcription

1 Ron Blank & Associates, Inc Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit Access Ladders And Disappearing Stairways: Code Compliant Solutions Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour An AIA Continuing Education Program Course number: pll05a 4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway Morristown, TN info@precisionladders.com Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway FL Series Wall Ladders SL Series Ships Ladders Roof Hatches

2 An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Approved Promotional Statement: Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBA This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

3 An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final exam. Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by and you can print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to certificate@ronblank.com Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. confirmations will be sent to the address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account. Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit

4 Course Description Identify and understand the different types of access ladders and disappearing stairways. Review the applications for each type, as well as the building codes that should be considered when installing access ladders and disappearing stairways.

5 Course Objectives By completing this course the Design Professional will be able to: Identify the types of Fixed Access Ladders and Disappearing Stairways List the applications for each type of Fixed Ladder or Disappearing Stairway Explain the applicable building code considerations List the options for fire-rated Disappearing stairways

6 Types of Fixed Ladders and Disappearing Stairways

7 Definition of a Ladder A climbing device used to access any level at a different elevation. Usage, length and how you exit the ladder determine what options are required to meet code (Cages, Walk-thru and Overshot).

8 Ladders Accessing an Opening Roof Hatch Floor Door Man Hole Access Panel These ladders are typically the most narrow and can be equipped with retractable hand hold devices (i.e. ladder safety post) to facilitate the climber entering and exiting the opening.

9 Fixed Vertical Ladders with Walk-thrus Roof Access Mezzanines Catwalks Platforms & Landings A Walk-thru can also be called a Roof-over, Side Rail Extension or Grab Bar. This option is used when the climber exits the ladder straight ahead / between the side rails. Types of Fixed Access Ladders and Disappearing Stairways

10 Fixed Ladder with Side Exit (a.k.a. Overshoot) Offset Ladders on Silos or Storage Tanks Barn Lofts Rest Platforms / Mezzanines Elevator Pit Ladders Ladder extends 48 inches above the exit point to allow the climber easy egress left or right. You may never dismount the ladder backwards at an exit point.

11 Ships Ladders Neither OSHA nor ANSI addresses this product specifically therefore, vertical ladder codes are applied when possible. Ships Ladders can not exceed vertical climb of 20 feet. This product provides an easier climb but, internally sacrifices floor space. Industry standards usually have 5 deep treads with an anti-slip tread surface. Handrails are typically found on both sides. Angles range from 60 to 75 Two ships ladders and a platform in conjunction form a crossover or bridge. Types Of Access Ladders And Disappearing Stairways

12 Ships Ladders The technical term for Ships Ladder is inclined ladder. Ships Ladders can be used in much the same ways as most vertical ladders. Handrail configurations can be fitted for hatch openings with optional ladder safety post (shown) or walk-thrus when accessing platforms, mezzanines etc. The clear tread width may vary per application while maintaining vertical ladder code minimums.

13 Disappearing Stairways (a.k.a. Retractable Stairs) Manual folding disappearing stairways have an inclined ladder style climb that disappears into the ceiling when not in use. Automatic retractable disappearing stairways typically have a fixed stair angle climb that disappears into the ceiling when not in use Applications include access to roof deck, attic space or elevated walkways. Various duty ratings ranging from light weight residential to heavy duty industrial. Manual folding disappearing stairways can be specified for firerated ceilings. Types Of Access Ladders And Disappearing Stairways

14 Current Code Only Covers Fixed Vertical Ladders Note: Proposed OSHA code will include Ships Ladders

15 Fixed Vertical Ladder Applications (Indoor or Outdoor) Roof Access Storage Tanks Loading Docks Platform Access Equipment Access Current Code

16 Applicable Codes 1. Fixed Vertical Ladders

17 Applicable Codes for Fixed Vertical Ladders National codes OSHA ANSI A OSHA and ANSI codes are similar. The more stringent code element in each code is used as a guideline in this presentation. Websites have easy code reference Defined OSHA-Occupational Safety & Health Admin. ANSI-American National Standards Institute Note: Some states may have special code requirements Applicable Codes

18 Applicable Codes for Fixed Vertical Ladders The OSHA code refers to ANSI but alters its version of the code. A good manufacturer will build to the more strict of the two codes in all cases and inform you when your ladder can not comply with one or the other. Some states may have special code requirements (example: Minnesota Section [Roof Equipment Access] no vertical ladders, spiral stairs, or alternating tread ladders) Manufacturers will advise you on exact requirements. Applicable Codes

19 Code Provisions 1. Fixed Vertical Ladders

20 Rungs, Cleats or Treads Loading requirements Live Load per Rung/Tread 250 lbs. (ANSI) 200 lbs. (OSHA) Note: Industry standard is +/ lbs. Code Provisions

21 Rungs, Cleats or Treads The requirement is to provide a burr free power grip surface. Any shape is accepted. ¾ min cross section std. 1 min in high corrosion areas. Some type of anti-slip texture is preferred but, not addressed in codes. Code Provisions

22 Rungs, Cleats or Treads Vertical Spacing 12 max tread spacing uniform throughout the climb. Does not address the bottom rung/tread. Bottom rung/tread must not exceed 14 above ground (relative)

23 Rungs, Cleats or Treads Placement First rung/tread is level with the exit point at the top of the ladder. Rungs/treads descend in 12 increments. Spacing must be equal. Bottom rung/tread must be within 14 of the ground. Top Rung Placement Detail Code Provisions

24 Clearances (Clear Width of Rung/Tread) Width of Rung/Tread 16 min clear width between side rails Code Provisions

25 Clear Space Behind Ladder Clear Space Behind Ladder 7 min from center line of rung to wall or nearest object. Exceptions for unavoidable obstructions are rarely granted. Code Provisions

26 Climber Clearance Clear Width 15 left and right of the center line of the ladder except when safety cages are required 15 From Center Code Provisions

27 Climber Clearance From the center line of the rung/tread to the nearest object shall be 30 on vertical ladders, 36 at a pitch of 76, and on all others a proportional distance determined by the slope. (24 with deflector plate) Code Provisions

28 Step Across Distance The distance from the top rung/tread to a weight bearing surface must be between 2-1/2 and 12 Landing platforms are required to bridge the gap for larger step across distances. Code Provisions

29 Safety Cages Cages or wells shall be provided on ladders of more than 20 to a maximum unbroken length of 30 with the exception of chimneys, water tanks and towers. Cages shall extend a minimum of 42 above top landing. Cages shall start not less than 7 nor more than 8 above the ground. Cage sizes and shapes are set by code. Recommended on shorter ladders in dangerous locations (Edge of building, around machinery, in close location to chemicals). Code Provisions

30 Landing Platforms For climbs greater than 20, landings shall be provided for each 30 of height or fraction thereof except where no cage, well, or ladder fall arrest system is provided. Landings shall be installed every 20 of height on these ladders. (illustrated on next side) These landing platforms shall be offset at each level. Landing platforms shall have handrails, and toe boards, so arranged for safe access to the ladder. Landings shall be at least 30 in length and 30 in width Lower ladder top rung/tread shall be level with the landing. Code Provisions

31 Landing Platforms Example for previous page. Code Provisions

32 Ladder Extensions at Exits Side rails shall extend above the exit point 3 6 and the rungs/treads are omitted for step through ladders (a.k.a. walk-thru ladders) 24 to 30 clear opening For side exit do not omit rungs and continue spacing till the next rung/tread is above 3 6 Standard holds true for caged ladders as well. Code Provisions

33 Ladder Extensions at Exits If the exit is straight through, a 42 side rail extension is required (also called a walk-thru, or roof over). If the exit is to the left or right an overshoot is used. Overshoots are at least 48 above the top rung/tread and the rungs/treads are not omitted like they would be for a walk-thru. Code Provisions

34 Ladder Safety Devices - Fall Arrest Systems Fall Arrest Systems can be used on a tower, chimney, or water tank in excess of 20 in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection. No landing platform is required in these cases. Rigid Rail Systems (example shown) Cable / Rope Systems Spool Systems All Systems have the climber secured in a harness and the unit attaches to allow free motion but prevent free fall. Code Provisions

35 Angle of Incline Ladders designed and built to be used for vertical climbing may not have angles greater than 90 Preferred pitch 76 to 90 Substandard pitch 60 to 75 Fixed Stairway pitch 30 to 50 (different than Disappearing Stairway) Code Provisions

36 ANSI and OSHA Codes Do Not Currently Address 1. Ships Ladders Note: IBC 2009 does address Ships Ladders

37 Ships Ladder ANSI and OSHA codes do not specifiy how a ships ladder must be built or sets a minimum or a maximum on critical dimensions such as length, width, tread spacing or tread depth. Best practice dictates vertical ladder code guidance. ANSI & OSHA standards pertain to round bar rung ladders ships ladders incorporate a tread rather than a round bar rung. (illustrated next slide) No ANSI or OSHA Code Currently In Force

38 Inclined Ladder Comparison Standard Production Ships Ladder VS. OSHA/ANSI Test Ladder No ANSI or OSHA Code Currently In Force

39 Code Provisions 1. Disappearing Stairways

40 Disappearing Stairways Applications Commercial Residential Some Typical Applications Airport control towers Banks Better residences Assembly Hall Churches Drug stores Government buildings Hospitals Laboratories Libraries Museums Restaurants Schools and retail stores

41 Disappearing Stairways The following slides deal with Disappearing Stairways. (Both Manual and Automatic) Manual models are available for applications that require up to a 2 Hour Fire-Rated ceiling. Governing code ANSI A14.9 (code is mostly residential but does address commercial applications.)

42 ANSI A14.9 Load Rating: pounds residential 500 pounds commercial Tread Depth: 3 minimum residential 5 minimum commercial Tread Width: 11 minimum residential 15 minimum commercial Angle: All disappearing climbing devices must be 66 or less from the horizontal. Material: Any (typical - wood, aluminum, or steel)

43 Manual Disappearing Stairways Can be installed in various types of ceiling assemblies. Truss ceilings Suspended ceilings Frame Types: Box Deep Box Deep Angle Check with manufacturer for proper sizing.

44 Horizontal Fire Test of a Disappearing Stairway Fire-Rated Test Unit tested in these images was installed in a complete ceiling assembly. Check with manufacturer for Fire-Rated Label

45 Applicable Fire Rating Codes ASTM E-119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials UBC 43-7: (Revised to 43-2) Fire Test of Door Assemblies IBC: Fire Separation Access Doors Attic

46 Applicable Codes for Fire Separated Ceilings Proliferation of IBC/IFC throughout U.S. 2003, 2006 & 2009 IBC contains language which has made more common the use of a fire-rated ceiling. Reference IFC map shown. Fire-Rated Disappearing Stairways are now available. Applicable Codes

47 Manual Disappearing Stairways Fire-Door Installation Detail

48 Manual Disappearing Stairways Fire-Rated Non-Rated Placement Roof Access Attic Access Through ceilings, including Fire-Rated ceilings Advantage: Can be shipped as a complete assembly as shown here. (roof hatch & disappearing stairway ready to install into opening)

49 Automatic Disappearing Stairways The Automatic Electric Stairway is a retractable stair which can be opened or closed with a simple toggle switch. The unit can be supplied with a key operated switch in areas where security is important. These units can be fabricated with a custom frame to accommodate dropped ceilings.

50 Automatic Disappearing Stairways Standard Equipment Emergency operation to lower the unit from above and/or below. Battery Back-Up Optional Equipment Warning buzzer to sound when stairway is in motion. Key switch, Key-Chain Remote Control

51 Course Summary The Design Professional will now be able to: Identify the types of Fixed Access Ladders and Disappearing Stairways List the applications for each type of Fixed Ladder or Disappearing Stairway Explain the applicable building code considerations List the options for fire-rated Disappearing stairways

52 Ron Blank & Associates, Inc Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit Access Ladders And Disappearing Stairways: Code Compliant Solutions Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour An AIA Continuing Education Program Course number: pll05a 4188 East Andrew Johnson Highway Morristown, TN info@precisionladders.com Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway FL Series Wall Ladders SL Series Ships Ladders Roof Hatches