Ladders to access machinery?

[Vibrato]

Ok, I'm in a little over my head on this project, but a questions that seems relatively simple has me scratching pretty hard... We're on the 2009 IBC, we're in new construction, a IB type building that is part H-2 and part H-4, 3 stories, 3 mezzanines, and we're making light acids out of materials with a deflagration potential... Now that I have your attention...

In the h-2 occupancy areas, there are porposed Equipment platforms, about 80 sq feet in area and vertical distance for access is over 12 feet and less then 14 feet from the mezzanine level. It would seem they have the option of stairs with a landing, or, an alternating tread devise... the question I've been searching for an answer to is... can they use a simple ladder?

I don't get much H construction so I'm not particularly confident I'm not missing something. 20 years ago- back when it was tough, I used ladders with fall guards to access silly places daily. If it is an option in the IBC, I am completely missing it. Can someone enlighten me?

 

[mark handler]

Refer to 2009 IBC section 505.5 Equipment platforms.

 

[Vibrato]

Refer to 2009 IBC section 505.5 Equipment platforms.

Which allows access through ladders- which are undefined within the IBC. I suppose I can jump to the mechanical code if they ask for max vertical runs without fall guards and landings, etc. Or, I can tell them to design a ladder and then I'll tell them if I like it or not- Sometimes its fun being the AHJ!

If 505.5 is all there is, then I guess I had it to be begin with. Thanks!!

 

[mark handler]

Thats not all there is for a designer, OSHA also has Ladder requirements, but not enforceable for Building Departments

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9719&p_table=STANDARDS

 

[imhotep]

Which allows access through ladders- which are undefined within the IBC. I suppose I can jump to the mechanical code if they ask for max vertical runs without fall guards and landings, etc. Or, I can tell them to design a ladder and then I'll tell them if I like it or not- Sometimes its fun being the AHJ!If 505.5 is all there is, then I guess I had it to be begin with. Thanks!!

2009 IMC 306.5 requires a permanent ladder for equipment access when the height exceeds 16'. I don't see where a permanent stair, ladder or alternating tread device is required.

 

[Vibrato]

2009 IMC 306.5 requires a permanent ladder for equipment access when the height exceeds 16'. I don't see where a permanent stair, ladder or alternating tread device is required.

Just checking back in on another issue thought I'd follow up with some clarification. These equipment platforms are described in IBC505.5 and are for industrial processes equipment and the methods of access mentioned are allowed. This is a different animal than the ladders required for roof tops and platforms for equipment for providing conditioned air in the mechanical code.

Since ladders are undefined in the IBC, I wanted to allow what they were proposing- a "ladder" that to a lay person looks very much like a stairway except the stepping platforms are 10.5 inches deep and the next stepping platform up is 7.5 inches higher. (meets OSHA) This ladder also has grab bars that resemble a hand rail, and fall protection that resembles guards. My feeling is that this "ladder" design is safer than a 12 foot vertical ladder built according to the IMC.

I sent the question to ICC and asked- If I allowed this as the AHJ- would it be keeping with the intent of the code- a safer workplace? They agreed that this could be allowed due to the equipment platforms being an un-occupiable space, and I have permitted the design.

Commercial is SOOO much more fun than residential!

 

[peach]

ships ladders are acceptable for rooftop/mechanical platform access.