NOTE 2 Specific requirements for access on particular types of crane are given in the appropriate European Standard for the particular crane type.. A Width of walkways, inclined walkways
Symbols
When designing ladders and stairways, it is crucial to consider various measurements for safety and functionality The distance between the center line of the rung and the vertical surface, as well as the space between the ladder and any rear obstacles, must be carefully evaluated Additionally, the gap between the ladder's stiles and the sections of handrails should be consistent, ensuring a secure grip The rise and rung pitch are essential for comfortable ascent, while the clear width and dimensions of the rungs must accommodate users effectively Hand clearance to the mounting surface and the vertical distances between handrails and footholds are vital for safety Furthermore, maintaining appropriate clearances between handrails and rungs, as well as between parallel handrails, is necessary for ease of passage Lastly, the distances from the floor to the toe board and guard rails should be measured to prevent accidents and enhance user safety.
A Width of walkways, inclined walkways
B x C Free length / width of rest platforms
D x E Free length / width of platforms
F Manhole effective aperture - Side of a square section or diameter of a round section
H x W Manhole effective aperture - Rectangular section (height x width)
K Free height above the floor of walkways, inclined walkways: person in kneeling posture
U Free height above the floor of walkways, inclined walkways: person moving upright
U Free height above the floor of the platforms
L Manhole effective aperture - Length of passage through the manhole
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard the terms and definitions given in EN 1070:1998 and the following apply
3.2.1 rest platform standing area for persons to rest, situated at intervals between flights of ladders or stairs
3.2.2 platform standing area for persons to work from e.g for maintenance or inspection
3.2.3 handrail device, which provides continuous hand support between two locations
3.2.4 handhold means of providing support by a single hand placement
3.2.5 foothold means of providing support for one or two feet
3.2.6 manhole access opening to allow the passage of a person and which could have a cover fitted
3.2.7 hatch access opening to allow the passage of a person and which has a hinged door fitted
Table 1 outlines the key hazards, hazardous situations, and events identified through risk assessment that are significant for this type of machinery, as addressed in this standard, and highlights the necessary actions to eliminate or mitigate these risks.
Table 1 — List of significant hazards and associated requirements
Relevant clause(s) in this standard
1.1 Generated by machine parts of work pieces caused, for example, by 4.2 3.1, 3.2, 4 1.3
1.3 Elementary forms of mechanical hazards 4.2.1 1.3
7 Hazards generated by materials and substances processed, used by the machinery and by its constituent materials
8 Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machinery design as, e.g hazards from :
8.1 Unhealthy postures or excessive effort 4.9 3.6.1, 6.2.1,
8.2 Inadequate consideration of hand- arm or foot-leg anatomy 4.9 3.6.2 1.1.2d, 2.2 6.2.2, 6.3,
8.3 Neglected use of personal protection equipment 3.6.6 1.1.2e 5, 6.6, 6.3,
17 Falling or ejected objects or fluids 4.2.2 3.3, 3.8 1.3.3 6.2.5, 6.7
19 Slip, trip and fall of persons
21 Linked to the work position
(including driving station) on the machine
21.1 Fall of persons during access to (or at/from) the work position 3.2.1, 3.2.3,
21.10 Insufficient means for evacuation/emergency exit 3.2.1 6.2.4
This standard defines two types of access: Type 1 Access, which is intended for use without the need for personal protective equipment against falls from heights, and Type 2 Access, which does not fully comply with Type 1 characteristics and may necessitate the use of personal protective equipment for fall protection (refer to EN 363).
NOTE For the design of personal protective equipment anchorage, see EN 795
6 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
Selection of access
6.1.1 Selection of the means of access
Access methods must meet the safety standards outlined in this clause, and the equipment should be designed in accordance with the principles of EN 292 to address relevant but not significant hazards not covered by this standard.
When determining access means, manufacturers must consider the frequency of use, the equipment or tools to be transported, the vertical distance to be covered, and the nature of use, such as maintenance, inspection, or walkways.
Figure 1 — Ranges of angle for different means of access in their working position
Provision of access should be in the preferential order: stair, rung ladder, stepped ladder Furthermore, fixed means (e.g hoop guard, side protection) shall be preferred to personnel protective equipment
When the height that the operator has to climb from the point of access on the crane to the control station is more than
For heights of 25 meters or more, a powered access system must be installed, and the crane should be designed to accommodate this system Additionally, a complementary access method of type 1 is required in such cases.
6.1.2 Selection of the type of access
The selection of the type of access shall be as follows:
• access to control station and starting equipment: type 1 access;
• access for maintenance period more frequent than one per month : type 1 access;
In the following cases type 2 access may be used:
• access for maintenance period less frequent than one per month In this case, the access shall be designed for use without personal protective device against falls from height;
• access for erection and dismantling
General
6.2.1 Provisions shall be made on every access to provide simultaneous three point support
(Two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand)
When lateral body movement is required from a ladder rung to another support surface, the distance between the rung and the nearest edge of the support surface must not exceed a spherical radius of 0.3 meters.
Figure 2 — Distance between a step or rung and the nearest edge of any support surface
Access means, walking, and standing areas must have designated working positions, such as a defined boom position for platforms on articulated booms These areas should consider the number of individuals present and account for objects like tools and spare parts Additionally, they must be constructed from incombustible materials with slip-resistant surfaces that do not retain liquids.
Every control station must have at least one exit leading to a fixed means of access Additionally, if the fixed access cannot be reached from all working positions within the control station or crane, an alternative means of egress must be provided.
Apertures in the floor of gangways, inclined walkways, landings, or platforms located above areas where people may be present must feature slots or interstices that prevent a 20 mm sphere from passing through Additionally, if the length of the slot is 200 mm or greater, its maximum width must not exceed 12 mm.
6.2.6 Hand supports shall have smooth surfaces Edges shall have radii (minimum 2 mm) or be chamfered (minimum 2 x 2 mm)
Rung ends to retain the hands or feet shall be provided at the ends of handholds and footholds
6.2.7 When access is foreseen with portable ladders, permanent means shall be provided to prevent the head of the ladder from moving
To ensure safety when accessing moving parts of the crane structure, it is essential to address trapping, crushing, and falling hazards in a preferred sequence: first through interlocking mechanisms, followed by locking systems, and finally through appropriate information and marking.
According to the result of the hazard analysis, means shall be provided according to the following preferable order: interlocking, locking, information/marking.
Stairs and stepped ladders
Type 1 Stairs shall be provided with a handrail and an intermediate guard-rail (see 6.7 and Table 7) on both sides
If the distance between stairs and a continuous surface is less than 0,2 m it is permissible to omit intermediate guard-rails
When type 2 Stairs are not fitted with a handrail, provision shall be made for the use of personal protective equipment against falls from a height as defined in EN 363
All stepped ladders shall be provided with handrails or handholds on both sides (see 6.7)
Steps should be evenly spaced, with the height from the floor to the first step matching the rise of the stair or ladder However, this height may be adjusted to facilitate movement between the floor and the step or to accommodate standardized components.
Stairs and stepped ladders shall have the dimensions in accordance with Figure 3, Table 2, and Table 3 ˜ ˜˜ ˜
Figure 3 — Dimensional parameters for stairs and stepped ladders
Dimensions in m Type 1 access Type 2 access
Fig 3 min max min max
Height between the floor, and the step
0,6 0,7 a The following formula shall apply
Table 3 — Dimensions for stepped ladders
Fig 3 min max min max
Height between the floor, and the step - 0,6 - 0,7 a The relationship between rise and going given in Table 2 for the stairs is not valid for stepped ladders.
Rung ladders - footholds
The following requirements apply to rung ladders or rungs fixed to a surface
Rungs should be consistently spaced, except for the first rung, which may be adjusted to facilitate movement between the floor and the rung or to accommodate standardized components.
Handholds (see 6.7) shall be provided to give access to or from the ladder (see Figure 4 and Table 7)
Figure 4 — Dimensional parameters for handholds and handrails
When a vertical ladder leads to a walkway, platform, or rest area, handholds are not required if one of the following conditions is met: a) two handrails, each at least 1 meter high from the floor, are installed; b) the ladder uprights extend to a minimum height of 1 meter from the floor; or c) there is one handrail and one ladder upright, both reaching at least 1 meter in height from the floor.
Type 1 ladders which present a risk of falling greater than 5 m shall be equipped with a hoop guard (see 6.5)
For type 2 ladders, the hoop guard may be replaced by facilities for use with personal protective equipment against falls from a height as defined in EN 363
Type 1 ladders shall have rest platforms at least every 6 m
Flights of ladders shall be positioned or other means provided, to prevent persons falling more than 6 m
The cross-section of a rung shall be circular, or have rounded corners
Rungs and rung ladders dimensions shall be in accordance with Figures 5 and 6 and Table 4
Figure 5 — Dimensional parameters for rung ladder
Figure 6 — Free space around the rung (ladder without hoop-guard)
Table 4 — Dimensions for rungs and rung ladders
Fig 5 Fig 6 min max min max
Height between the floor, and the rung - 0,6 - 0,7
Distance between centre line of rung and vertical surface d 0,15 - 0,15 a -
Gap between stiles if they are discontinuous g Gap between 0,01 and
0,05 is not permitted Gap between
Distance between the axis of the ladder and a lateral obstacle f 0,30 - 0,25 -
The distance between the ladder and an obstacle at the rear is typically 0.7 meters, but this can be reduced to 0.1 meters when dealing with discontinuous obstacles For circular cross-sections, the relevant measurement is the diameter, while for regular shapes with more than three corners, it is the diameter of the inscribed circle In cases involving other profiles, the width of the upper flat surface is used For scenarios where only one foot of the ladder is placed, refer to Figure 5.
Depending on the shape of the footholds, their dimensions are similar to the rungs of the ladders or as given in Figure
7, the values of "m" and "d" are given in Table 4, "u" and "z" are given in Table 7
Handholds (see 6.7) shall be provided to give access to or from the foothold (see Figure 7 and Table 7)
Footholds must be evenly spaced, with the distance from the floor to the first foothold matching the rise However, the first foothold may differ to allow for movement between the floor and the rung or to fit standardized components.
Hoop guards
A hoop-guard is mandatory for ladders with a fall risk exceeding 5 meters, unless the ladder is situated within a structure that offers equivalent protection This equivalent protection is established if two conditions are met: first, a sphere with a diameter of 0.6 meters cannot pass horizontally through the vertical structure; second, the internal space of the structure must be comparable to that provided by the hoop guard, as illustrated in Figure 8.
Figure 8 — Free space inside structure
Hoop-guards dimensions shall be in accordance with Table 5
The hoops will be joined by three or five longitudinal bars evenly distributed around the hoop, with one bar positioned directly opposite the center line of the ladder.
To enhance safety, when a platform's width is 1 meter or less, the space between the lowest hoop and the handrail must be minimized to prevent individuals from falling through.
The hoop guard, reinforced by longitudinal bars, must withstand a vertical force of 1,000 N applied at any point on the hoop over a distance of 0.1 m without causing any permanent deformation.
NOTE This can be achieved by connecting the hoop to the handrail or equivalent protection (see Figure 9)
Figure 9 — Example of additional protection 6.5.2 Movable hoop-guards may be used in conjunction with movable cabin or platform
Movable hoop-guards for rung ladders must be designed to ensure their movement is guided along the access ladder, maintain a perpendicular position to the ladder in all operating scenarios, and include a minimum of five flexible straps for secure attachment.
6.5.2.2 Each flexible strap shall a) have a minimum strength of 25 kN; b) exhibit an elastic extension not exceeding 10 % of the length when a force of 10 kN is applied
Movable hoop-guards dimensions shall be in accordance with Table 5
Table 5 — Dimensions for hoop-guards
Type 1 access Type 2 access min max
Vertical distance between the floor and the first hoop 2,2 2,5 If hoop-guards are provided same dimensions as type 1 access
Inside diameter of the hoop
Inside diameter of the hoop
Walkways, inclined walkways, platforms, and manholes
Each side of walkways, inclined walkways, rest platforms and platforms from which there is a risk of falling greater than
1 m shall be equipped with side protection (see 6.7)
A handrail is not necessary along a continuous surface designed to support individuals in case of a fall, as long as the combined width of the walkway and the continuous surface (b + c) is at least 1.25 meters, and the width of the walkway (b) is a minimum of 0.7 meters.
Figure 10 — Walkway provided along a continuous surface
NOTE Continuous includes e.g perforated, slotted, mesh type surfaces
When selecting the dimensions for type 2 platforms, it is essential to consider items a) to d) of clause 6.1.1 Additionally, the relationship between the free height and the minimum length of any side must align with the specifications outlined in Figure 11, as referenced in clause 6.8.
When selecting dimensions for type 2 walkways and inclined walkways, it is essential to consider items a) to d) of clause 6.1.1 Additionally, the relationship between free height and width must align with the specifications outlined in Figure 11, as referenced in clause 6.8.
Key a) Platform b) Walkway or inclined walkway
3 mnimum length of any side 3 width
4 height above the floor 4 height above the floor
Figure 11 — Relationship between height and other dimensions
The dimensions of walkways, inclined walkways, platforms, and manholes shall be in accordance with Table 6
Table 6 — Dimensions for walkways, inclined walkways, platforms, rest platforms and manholes
Type 1 access Type 2 access min max min max
Width of walkways, inclined walkways A 0,45 a - 0,23 -
Free length / width of rest platforms B x C 0,4 x 0,4
Free length / width of platforms D x E 0,6 x 0,6 - 0,4 x 0,4 -
Free height above the floor of walkways, inclined walkways :
Free height above the floor of the platforms U 2 b - 1,4 c -
- Side of a square section or diameter of a round section F 0,60 - 0,50 -
- Length of passage through the manhole L - 0,5 0,5
The walkway width can be locally reduced to 0.4 m to accommodate fixed obstructions in access ways If there is a fixed obstacle with a maximum length of 1 m, the distance may be decreased to 1.4 m, provided the obstacle is clearly marked For areas requiring maintenance, the applicable values of Type 1 must be followed.
Handholds, handrails, intermediate guard rails and side protection
Handholds shall be orientated in a manner consistent with the movement
Handrails and the line of any handholds shall be parallel to the path of motion of the user
Side protection shall be achieved with a handrail, an intermediate guard rail and toe board, or any other means of ensuring at least equivalent protection
Where side protection on a walkway, inclined walkway or rest platform, is interrupted for reason of access with a connected stair or ladder the access space need not to be protected
To ensure safety on platforms where side protection is interrupted for access, it is essential to install a self-closing device, such as a gate, that cannot open outward This measure effectively mitigates the risk of falling in these areas.
The use of flexible elements such as chains, ropes… is not permitted for side protection
The dimensions of handholds, handrails, intermediate guard rails and side protection shall be in accordance with Figures 4, 7 and 12 and Table 7
If, during crane operation, there is relative movement between separate sections of handrails or side protection the requirements in EN 349 shall apply
Figure 12 — Dimensional parameters for side protection
Table 7 — Dimensions for handholds, handrails and side protection
Dimensions in m Type 1 access Type 2 access
Fig 4 and 7 Fig 12 min max min max
Free length for hand-clearance p 0,15 - 0,15 -
Distance between rungs and handhold or handrails z 0 0,2 0 0,2
Hand clearance to mounting surface q 0,075 - 0,075 -
Distance between the floor or stair and the handrail or guard-rail v 1,1 - 1,1 -
Gap between the top of the toe board and the bottom of the intermediate guard rail v1 - 0, 5 - 0,5
Gap between the top of the intermediate guard rail and the bottom of the guard-rail v2 - 0,5 - 0,5
Distance between the floor and the top of the toe board w 0,10 - 0,05 for walkway
Clearance between the floor and the lower edge of the toe board y - 0,01 - 0,01
Vertical distance between the lower part of handrails and handholds and the floor or the foothold r 1 1,6 1 1,6
Vertical distance between the higher part of the handrail and the floor of the platform or rest platform situated at the top of the ladder or the stair s 1,1 - 1,1 -
Clearance between the edge of the handrail and the edge of the rung or the side rail of the ladder t 0,075 0,2 0,075 0,2
Clearance between parallel handrails where the body has to pass through u 0,45 - 0,45 a -
Gap between separate sections of handrails when they are discontinuous g 0,05 0,2 0,05 0,2 aThis dimension shall be observed even for walkways and inclined walkways with smaller width (see Table 6 type 2) see Figure 13
In the case of 4 m length, this clearance may be reduced to 0,3 m with a height of 2 m
Minimum free space for walkway and inclined walkway
The minimum free space for walkways and inclined walkways shall be determined taking into account:
• Figure 11 which gives relationship between height and other dimensions;
• free height above the floor of walkways and inclined walkways as defined in Table 6;
• Clearance between parallel handrails where the body has to pass through (dimension "u" shown in Figures 4 and 7 and defined in Table 7)
The illustration is given in Figure 13
Hatch
Hatches must be designed to open only against gravity and should include a mechanism to secure the trapdoor in the open position on rest platforms and walkways Additionally, hatches located on platforms are required to be self-closing, utilizing gravity for closure.
The force necessary to open a hatch shall not exceed 135 N.
Strength
The strength of all parts of access and their supporting structure shall be considered as a part of the crane structural design (see annex A)
Loading to be considered shall include the weight of persons and tools/equipment to be supported
7 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures
Verification of the means of access shall generally be carried out on the erected crane However, when applicable, individual components may be separately verified or tested
Conformity to each safety requirement and/or measure (given in clause 6) shall be verified by the methods detailed in Table 8
Table 8 — Methods to be used to verify conformity with the safety requirements and/or protective measures
Subclause Visual or functional check Measurement Test Conformity with the instruction handbook for the crane
6.10 X or check of the calculation a For slip resistance surface, see annex B
NOTE Attention is drawn to clause 5 of EN 292-2: 1991
Access instructions will be provided, detailing the available anchorage points for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent falls from height The instruction handbook will serve as a comprehensive guide for safe usage.
When for repairs or emergency it may occur that the access installed on the crane cannot be used, information for the use of other methods shall be provided
List of existing design rules for cranes
FEM 1.001:1997, Rules for the design of hoisting appliances
DIN 18800-1:1990/A1:1996, Steel structures; design and construction
DIN 15018-1:1984, Cranes; principles for steel structures; stress analysis
DIN 15018-2:1984, Cranes; steel structures; design principles
DIN 15018-3:1984, Cranes; principles for steel structures; stress analysis of mobile cranes NEN 2019/NBN 52 003, Cranes - The metal structure
NEN 2018/NBN 52 002, Cranes - Loads and combination of loads
NEN 2023/NBN 52 007, Cranes - Structural requirements regarding safety
NF E 52 081:1975, Tower cranes - Calculation rules
NF E 52 082:1982, Tower cranes - general rules relative to safety of tower cranes
IKH 4.30.01, Standard for steel structures for cranes – calculation
BS 2573, Permissible stresses in cranes
NOTE A CEN Standard prEN 13001 ”Cranes Safety - General design” is under preparation
Examples of surfaces considered to be slip-resistant
Slip-resistant surfaces include various types such as open-grip grating with raised perforated buttons, diamond-patterned grating with serrated edges, sand-coated surfaces using paint mixed with sand, and flex tread, which is a high-friction textured sheet made of plastic film coated with silicon carbide abrasive particles and backed with pressure-sensitive adhesive.
! ! Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC
This European Standard was developed under a mandate from the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association to ensure compliance with the Essential Requirements of the New Approach Directive 98/37/EC, as amended by 98/79/CE, concerning machinery.
Citing this standard in the Official Journal of the European Communities and implementing it as a national standard in at least one Member State grants a presumption of conformity with the relevant Essential Requirements of the Directive and associated EFTA regulations, as long as the compliance is within the standard's scope.
WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of this standard."
! ! Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC
This European Standard was developed under a mandate from the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association to ensure compliance with the Essential Requirements of the New Approach Directive 2006/42/EC concerning machinery.
Citing this standard in the Official Journal of the European Communities and implementing it as a national standard in at least one Member State grants a presumption of conformity with the relevant Essential Requirements of the Directive and associated EFTA regulations, as long as the compliance is within the standard's scope.
WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of this standard."