Section 9 Stairs, Ladders, Ramps, Walkways, Platforms, and Hatches

FIGURE 10
Handrail/Guardrail Dimensions with a Toeboard (1 August 2013)
Dimension Requirements
A Height of handrail/guardrail 1070 mm (42.0 in.)
B Height of intermediate rail above toeboard 425 mm (16.75 in.)
40 mm (1.5 in.) to
C Outside diameter of handrail
50 mm (2.0 in.)
D Height of toeboard 100 mm (4.0 in.)
E Gap between toeboard and surface 6 mm (0.25 in.)

B
D
Toeboard
E

7.4 Deck Edge, Elevated Walkway Railing Design

Deck edge and elevated walkway railings should have the following design (see Section 9, Figure 11,
Deck Edge and Elevated Walkway Rail Dimensions):
i) The heights of rails or bulwarks should be at least 1070 mm (42 in.) from the deck.
ii) Rail courses or equivalents should be installed between a top rail and the deck so that the opening
below the lowest course does not exceed 230 mm (9 in.) and the distance between the remaining
courses is not more than 380 mm (15 in.).
iii) Toeboards should be at least 100 mm (4.0 in.) in height and have no more than a 6 mm (0.25 in.)
clearance between the bottom edge of the toeboard and the walking surface.
iv) Vertical stanchions for railings should be spaced no more than 1525 mm (60 in.) apart horizontally.
v) At least every third vertical stanchion should be supported by a bracket or stay.
vi) Chain or wire rope should not be used as a deck edge or elevated walkway rail.

106 ABS GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE APPLICATION OF ERGONOMICS TO MARINE SYSTEMS . 2013