If you are looking for a ladder that is best for limited space, then a ships ladder is the one that you are looking for. A ships ladder is indeed a great solution for mezzanine access, to any loft above the room, access to the attic, access to the roof from interior of the house or building, or any other area with space constraints.
By definition, a ships ladder is a type of ladder with a set of stairs that are built to rise at a very steep angle which should not be greater than seventy degrees. Basically, it is a steep ladder. This type of ladder are originally being used or installed on ships and any other type of naval vessels with space as a constraint. In the past, the limited deck space of a ship has been their problem. The ship builders then came up with a design to address such issue through this type of ladder with unordinary steep slopes. This ships ladder has been invented because of that.
Nowadays, ships ladder are frequently being used not only on ships but also on household and any other establishments or areas with limited space. You can see most of its application in the commercial sector for mezzanine equipment rooms and many others.
Before availing ships ladder, you need to ensure that it complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements to ensure that it is safe to use. Here below are some of the guidelines for our common reference.
- Angle – The slope of a ships ladder should not be more than 70 degrees. When installing this ladder, ensure that it is installed with an angle to horizontal plane of 50 to 70 degrees. The distance between the stair and the ceiling should be at least 7 feet. This is similar to other stairs when it comes with the required minimum vertical clearance.
- Dimensions – The stair risers must have an interval of between 6 ½ inches and 12 inches of vertical rise on each tread and that the intervals must be consistent on every stair riser. The dimensions of stair treads should be 4 inches by 18 inches and should be identical on all treads.
- Weight Limits – The ladder must be able to withstand five times of its intended load. It must support a minimum of two loads of 250 pounds each on any two treads. Each tread must be capable to support a concentrated load of 250 pounds on its center. To ensure a durable or stable ladder, most of the ships ladders today are now being made out of metal.
- Handrails – The upper rail installed should not fail and that should be able to support a minimum of 200 pounds direct pressure in downward or outward direction. The rail diameter should be ¼ inch minimum.
