California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 18 - Ship Building, Ship Repairing and Ship Breaking Safety Orders
Article 5 - Scaffold Construction
Section 8371 - Stairways, Ramps, Gangways, and Ladders

(a) Access to staging from wharf or ways shall be by means of stairways, cleated ramps, or ladders, but ladders shall not be the only means of access except to the two lower levels of staging. Access from above to staging more than 3 feet below the point of access shall consist of a portable straight ladder.

(b) Safe access to staging from hulls shall be provided at all times. Such access shall be by means of ladders, suitable ramps, or stairways.

(c) Spalls and other parts of staging shall clear stairways and ramps by at least 6 feet 6 inches vertically.

(d) At least one stairway, cleated ramp, or ladder shall be used to give access to each hold as soon as construction permits. Permanent ladders installed in accordance with approved USCG plans meet this requirement. Straight ladders shall be provided when fixed ladders are impracticable.

(e) Wooden ladders, ramps, gangways, or steps with handrails available on each side shall be used to give access to forecastle, poop, and house decks until such time as permanent ship ladders and rails can be installed.

(f) The side rails of all construction ladders shall extend at least 36 inches above the top landing when space permits, or suitable grab rails shall be installed. Intermediate rectangular landing platforms shall be provided at between-deck or half-deck and main-deck landings in holds if the ladders are not installed so that one of the side rails is within 6 inches or less of the deck landings. Such platforms shall be provided with standard railings and toeboards on the open sides and ends. No horizontal platform dimensions shall be less than 36 inches.

(g) All stairways, ramps, gangways, and ladders shall be secured against displacement.

(h) Stairways and ramps shall be at least 36 inches wide in the clear and have 36-inch handrails with midrails on each side.

(i) Fixed ladders or straight ladders provided for access to cargo spaces shall not be used at the same time that cargo drafts or other loads are entering or leaving the hold. Before using these ladders to enter or leave the hold, the employee shall be required to inform the winch operator or crane signaler of the intended use.