California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4 - Construction Safety Orders
Article 13 - Work over or near Water
Section 1603 - Access to or from Wharves, Floats, Barges, and/or Boats
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) Ramps for access of vehicles to or between barges shall be of adequate strength, provided with side boards, well maintained, and properly secured.
NOTE: See also Section 3337.
(b) Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat, either a ramp meeting the requirements of subsection (a), or a safe walkway shall be provided.
(c) When dredge discharge pipe lines are used as walkways, they shall be provided with a flat surface walkway at least 12 inches wide, anchored to the pipe line to prevent displacement. A railing providing at least a single rail or taut rope 42 to 45 inches high shall be provided along one side. When rope is used, it shall be at least as strong as 3/4 -inch diameter Manila or at least 3/8 -inch diameter wire rope, or equivalent.
(d) Catwalks or platforms shall be at least 20 inches wide with railings provided at all locations over bodies of water more than 4 feet deep. Plank for such use at those locations subject to immersion shall be rough sawn and treated to resist rot. Railings shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 1620.
(e) When the upper end of the means of access rests on or is flush with the top of the bulwark, substantial steps properly secured and equipped with at least one substantial hand rail not less than thirty-four (34) inches or more than thirty-eight (38) inches above the tread nosing shall be provided between the top of the bulwark and the deck.
(f) Obstructions shall not be laid on or across the gangway, ramp, catwalk or other means of access.
(g) The means of access shall be adequately illuminated for its full length.
(h) Jacob's ladders shall be of the double rung or flat tread type. They shall be well maintained and properly secured.
(i) A Jacob's ladder shall either hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.
1. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 9-9-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 37).
2. Amendment of section heading and section filed 8-5-2011; operative 9-4-2011 (Register 2011, No. 31).
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
