© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2009
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 37814
800-225-7814
info@precisionladders.com
Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway
Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway
FL Series Wall Ladders
SL Series Ships Ladders
Roof Hatches
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.
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 email 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. Email
confirmations will be sent to the email 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
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.
Course Objectives
By completing this course the Design Professional will be able to:



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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
Types of Fixed Ladders and
Disappearing Stairways
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).
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.
Fixed Vertical Ladders with Walk-thrus
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
Current Code Only Covers
Fixed Vertical Ladders
Note: Proposed OSHA code will include Ships Ladders
Fixed Vertical Ladder
 Applications
(Indoor or Outdoor)





Roof Access
Storage Tanks
Loading Docks
Platform Access
Equipment Access
Current Code
Applicable Codes
1. Fixed Vertical Ladders
Applicable Codes for Fixed Vertical Ladders
 National codes
 OSHA 1910.27
 www.OSHA.gov
 ANSI A14.3
 www.ANSI.org
 OSHA and ANSI codes are
similar. The more stringent
code element in each code is
used as a guideline in this
presentation.
Defined
 OSHA-Occupational Safety &
Health Admin.
 ANSI-American National
Standards Institute
Websites have easy code reference
Note: Some states may have special code requirements
Applicable Codes
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 306.5 [Roof Equipment Access] – no vertical
ladders, spiral stairs, or alternating tread ladders) Manufacturers will
advise you on exact requirements.
Applicable Codes
Code Provisions
1. Fixed Vertical Ladders
Rungs, Cleats or Treads
Loading requirements
 Live Load per Rung/Tread
 250 lbs. (ANSI)
 200 lbs. (OSHA)
Note:
Industry standard is +/- 1000 lbs.
Code Provisions
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
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)
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
Clearances (Clear Width of Rung/Tread)
Width of Rung/Tread –
16” min clear width between
side rails
Code Provisions
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
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
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
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
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
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
Landing Platforms
Example for previous
page.
Code Provisions
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
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
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
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
ANSI and OSHA Codes Do Not
Currently Address
1. Ships Ladders
Note: IBC 2009 does address Ships Ladders
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
Inclined Ladder Comparison
 Standard Production Ships Ladder VS. OSHA/ANSI Test Ladder
No ANSI or OSHA Code Currently In Force
Code Provisions
1. Disappearing Stairways
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
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.)
ANSI A14.9
 Load Rating: 200-350 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)
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.
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
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:
 406.1.4 Fire Separation
 711.3.2 Access Doors
 315.2.4 Attic
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
Manual Disappearing Stairways
Fire-Door Installation Detail
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)
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.
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
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
© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2009
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 37814
800-225-7814
info@precisionladders.com
Super Simplex Disappearing Stairway
Automatic Electric Disappearing Stairway
FL Series Wall Ladders
SL Series Ships Ladders
Roof Hatches