BS 5395 : Part 3 : I985

UDC 692.623 :725.4.052.8

British Standard

Stairs, ladders and walkways

P
\
Part 3. Code of practice for the design of industrial
type stairs, permanent ladders and walkways

Escaliers, echelles et passerelles

Partie 3. Conception des escaliers industriels, echelles et passerelles fixes -
Code de bonne pratique

Treppen, Leitern und Laufstege

TeiI 3. ~ e i t f a d e nfijr die Gestaltung von Treppen sowie ortsfesten
F-. Leitern und Laufstegen fiir industrielle Zwecke
, ..
.. -

. B$ ?395 : Part 3 : 1985

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction

of the Elements and Components (of Diverse Materiafs) for
Buildings Standards Committee. I t is intended to give
guidance for designers concerned with industrial buildings,
plant and installations, including refineries.
In drafting the standard the committee made extensive use
of the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users'
Association Handbook No. 7 'Factory Stairways. Ladders
and Handrails'.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.
 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

Contents

Page
Foreword Inside front cover
Committees responsible Back cover

Code of practice
1 Scope
2 Definitions
3 Generat
4 Materials
5 Stairs
6 Fixed ladders
7 Companion way ladders
8 Platforms and walkways
9 Edge protection
10 Protective barriers

Tables
1 Factors affecting choice of means of access
or escape 2
2 Structural materials 4
3 Platform and watkway floor loads 10
4 Laterai loads for handraifs 12

Figures
1 Basic components and definitions of terms 3
2 Typical industrial stairs 5
3 Typical fixed ladders 7
4 Typical companion way ladder 11
5 Typical arrangement of protective barriers 13

HOLLANDSCHE BETON GROEP N V

DOCUMENTATIE CENTRUM
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 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985
I ,

Code of practice

1 Scope 2.3 companion way ladder. Ladder having a pitch from

65 O t o 75 a inclusive, with steps.
This Part of BS 5395 gives recommendations for the design 2.4 platform. Level floor above the level of the surround-
of industrial type stairs, walkways, platforms, fixed ladders ing area.
and companion way ladders.
2.5 walkway. Lateral access, e.g. from one section of plant
NOTE. The titles of the publications referred t o in this standard are or equipment to another.
listed on the inside back cover.
NOTE. Definitions of somecommon termsare illustrated in figure 1.

2 Definitions
3 General
For the purposes of this British Standard the definitions
given in BS 5395 : Part 1 and Part 2, BS 5578 : Part 1 and When assessing the type of access or means of escape to be
BS 6100 : Part 1 apply, together with the following. provided, the designer should take into account all the
factors listed in table 1. The design characteristics should
2.1 ladder. Stair having a pitch greater than 65 '.
be uniform in any given installation,
2.2 fixed ladder. Ladder having a pitch greater than 75 ",
e i v i r h rungs.

Table 1. Facton affecting choice of means of access or escape

Factor to be considered Rernab

Height of building or storey height Height governs number of flights (see 5.1). rise {see 5.4) and
clearance and headroom

Plan area Plan area governs going and clear width (see 5.2).
Helical and spiral stairs require tess space on plan than straight stairs

Convenience of use and safety Straight stain give maximum convenience of use. Where loads are
being carried regularly, stairs should be used rather than ladders

Number of people , . The number of people governs the size and the loading (see 8.2)

pl Frequency of use Ladders should only be installed where occasional access is required.
A companion way ladder should be used in place of a fixed ladder on
short rises of 3 m or less

Extent of supervision and control

Access for disabled See BS 5810

Fire See BS 5588 : Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3 as appropriate
Figure 1. Basic components and definitions of terms
 4 Materials The maximum number of risers in a single flight should be
16, for straight stairs, or 22, for helical and spiral stairs.

Materials should be selected from those listed in table 2 There should be a change of line or direction of not less
and should be in accordance with the appropriate British than 30 * after 32 risers, for straight stairs, or 44 risers,
Standard or code of practice. for helical or spiral stairs. Landings at the head of a stair
should be designed so that i t is not possible to step from
Where two or more materials are used, they should be a platform or walkway onto the stair without a change
compatible, e.g. t o minimize galvanic action or differential in direction,
movement.
Typical industrial stairs are shown in figure 2.
For guidance on protection against corrosion, see BS 5493,
BS 6150 and DD 24. 5.2 Clear width
The minimum clear width should be 600 mrn for occasional
one-way traffic, 800 mrn for regular one-way traffic and
occasional two-way traffic and 1000 mrn for regular
5 Stairs two-way traffic.

5.3 Pitch (straight stairs)

Except where otherwise indicated in this clause, the recom- The minimum pitch for straight stairs should be 30 '.
mendations given in BS 5395 : Part 1 for straight stairs and The maximum pitch for occasional access should be 42 '.
in BS 5395 : Part 2 for helical and spiral stairs should be The maximum pitch for regular two-way traffic should
followed. be 38 '.

Table 2. Structural materials

Materiat British Standards Other recommendations

In-situ concrete BS 81 10
CP 114

f-,
1. Precast concrete -- -.

CP 116

""j Aluminium CP 118 See fire safety recommendations

in BS 5395 : Part 1

Cast iron BS 1452

Aluminium bronze (grades CA 101 to 106

inciusive) or phosphor bronze (grades PB 101
to 104 indusive) should be used

Steel, including BS 1449 : See fire safety recommendations in

stainless steel Part 1 or Part 2 BS 5395 : Part 1
SS 4360 For stainless steel external stairs,
only austenitic grades should be used

Plastics materials BS 6180"

and laminated sheets

Timber BS 5268 : Part 2 BS 1186 :

Parts 1 and 2 I
'See clause 10 of BS 6180 : 1982.
 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

i a n d m g arranged t o prevent d ~ r e c t
access +c stair from plotform [see 5.1)
d
5'

SO moxlnrum projecrlon o f s t r ~ n g sbeyon6

noslng (see 5.8)
Dimension is in rnillimetres.
(a) Straight stairs
NOTE. O.ther types of rail section and connectors are in use, e.g, square secrions as shown in figure 5.

Figure 2. Typical industrial stairs

 ---
' . BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

5.6 Exposure
Where a stair is exposed t o the weather and is not used
solely as a means of access to plant, the total rise should
not exceed 6 m unless the stair is protected, e.g. by non-
combustible infill (see 10.7).

5.7 Treads
Treads should comply with the requirements for strength
given in BS 4592 and should be slip resistant or at least
have a slip resistant nosing not less than 25 rnm wide.
Treads on open riser stairs should overlap not less than
16 mrn and have a nosing depth in the range 25 mm to
50 rnm to aid visibility.

5.8 Strings
Strings should be sufficiently robust to minimize lateral
flexing of the structure and should not project more than
50 m m beyond the nosing of the bottom tread (see
figure 2(a)).

5.9 Landings
Landings should be designed following the recommenda-
tions for platforms and walkways given in clauses 8 and 9.
The length of a landing (see figure 1 ) should be not less
than the dear width o f the stair or 850 mm, whichever is
the greater.

5.10 Handraiis
Straight stairs and landings should have a continuous hand-
rait on both sides as described in clause 70. Helical and
spiral stairs should have handrails as described in BS 5395 :
Part 2.
Handrails should be provided wherever the total height of
the pitch line above the adjacent construction exceeds
500 mm.

(b) Spiral stairs 6 Fixed ladders

Figure 2. Typical industrial stairs (concludedj
6.1 General
NOTE. A sloping ladder is generally easier and safer to use than a
vertical ladder.
Fixed ladders should have equal rises in successive flights
wherever practicable.
5.4 Rise
Access points to the head of ladders from platforms and
IF i s essential to make all rises in a flight uniform, subject walkways should be protected by self-closing gates
t o the tolerances given in 5.5. The relationship between (see 10.6) or chains. No part of the ladder should project
rise and going for a stair should not change along the onto the passageway.
walking line, subject to the same tolerances.
Except on chimneys, the height of a ladder should not
5.5 Accuracy exceed 6 m without an intermediate landing, preferably
For general guidance on accuracy i n byilding, see BS 5606. breaking the line of the ladder. If a user could fall 2 rn or
The maximum permissible deviation for any size should more, or come into contact with dangerous equipment,
not exceed the appropriate value given in table 2 of the ladders should be fitted with safety equipment (see 6.8).
BS 5606 : 1978. For further guidance see 11.2.3 of Typical fixed ladders are shown in figure 3.
BS 5395 : Part 'I : 1977.
Consistency of rise and going are of prime importance for
user confidence and safety.
 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

Brace where necessary

- for heavy guards shaped
t o circle

\Optional guard shown

In cham dotted lines

(a1 General arrangement (vertical ladder1

NOTE. Details of self-closing gate (see 10.6) are omitred for clarity.
AH dimensions are in miliimerreo.

Figure 3. Typical fixed ladders

7
 No part of ladder
shou Id project onto
clear passageway

Hoops and straps

Sectional etevation Side view

(b) Details of inclined fixed Iadder

A varies f r o m 760 mm, for a vertical

ladder. to 840 mrn. for a ladder 8 varies from 690 mm, for a vertical
having a pitch of 75" ladder, to 760 rnm, for a ladder
having a pitch of 75"

Circular pattern Rectangular pattern

Dimensions A and 8 are t o be measured at right angles t o the centrefine of the strings.
kl Details o f hoops (plan views1
All dimensions are i n rnillirnetres.

Figure 3. Typical fixed ladders (continued)

 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

4
Dimension is in rnillimetres.
(dl Arrangement with chequer plate extended (el Arrangement with additional rungs

Figure 3. Ty pica1 fixed ladders (concluded)

6.2 Width 6.5 Strings

The width between strings should be in the range 380 mm Strings should be robust enough to minimize flexing of
to 450 mm. - the ladder and should be supported from the structure at
adequate intervals. Handrails, which may be an extension
6-3 Clear spaces of the string, should extend upwards at the same angle as
There should be a minimum dear space of 230 mm behind the ladder to a height of not less than 1100 m m above the
each rung to allow foot room {see figure 3(b)). upper platform and be securely fastened a t their extremities.
Such an extension should not encroach on the clear width
The clear space measured at right angles to the strings on
of the platform passageway. At platform level the strings
the user's side of ladders should be as shown in figure 3(c).
should widen out and be bent over and connected to the
The top rung of a ladder should be replaced a t the same handrail (see figure 3). Above platform level the clear width
level as the floor or platform to which access is provided between strings shoutd be not less than 600 mm and not
by either: more than 700 mrn.
(a) a flat supported plate (see figure 3(d)I; or
6.6 Rungs
(b) industrial type metal flooring complying with
BS 4592; or Rungs should be designed to withstand a concentrated load
of 1.5 kN placed in any position and should be fixed
(c) additional rungs in a horizdntal plane {see
secureiy.
figure 3(e)).

6.4 Rise 6.7 Landings

Landings should be designed following the recommenda-
It is essential to make all rises in a flight uniform and the
top surface of the top rung should be level with the plat-
tions for platforms and walkways given in clause 8. Landings
form or landing. The minimum rise should be 225 mrn and should not be less than 850 rnrn square and should have
the maximum rise should be 255 mrn. toe plates and handrails around all open sides (see clauses 9
and 10).
'
BS' 5395 : Part 3 : 1985
I

6.8 Safety equipment 7.8 Handrails

It is essential to fit a safety cage, or a fixed vertical rail or Handrails should be designed according to clause 10.
wire cable for use with a sliding fall-arrest system and A single handrail should always be provided on both sides
harness, whenever a user could otherwise fall 2 m or more of a companion way ladder; the distance between rails,
or come into contact with dangerous equipment. Cages from centre to centre, should be not less than 540 mm.
should be constructed of components robust enough to Stanchions supporting handrails should be positioned at
minimize flexing. right angles to strings. The rail should be 250 mrn above the
The hoops on any safety cage should be placed at equal pitch line for ladders of 65 " slope and 100 mm above the
intervals not more than 900 mm apart. The top hoop pitch line for ladders of 75 slope, with all other cases
should be in line with the top guard rail on the platform. pro rata.
The bottom hoop should be at a height of 2500 mm above At the top of a companion way ladder, handrails should
ground. The sizes of hoops should be as shown in figure 3(c). widen out to a minimum width of 610 mm (see figure 4).
Where maximum enclosure is desirable because of an
elevated position or other hazard, one half of the hoop
structure may be extended down t o near floor level. 8 Platforms and walkways
:-,'-.particularly hazardous and exposed situations, mesh
,dnels may be used t o cover the ladder cage (see figure 3(al). 8.1 General
The minimum unobstructed width of a platform or watk-
way should be 450 mm for light duty and 750 rnrn for
7 Companion way ladders general duty (see table 3).
The minimum headroom above the top surface of a plat-
7.1 General form or walkway should be 2100 mm.
The recommendations for fixed ladders in clause 6 apply to NOTE. It is advisable to fix plates or labels to installations stating
companion way ladders except where otherwise indicated that they have been designed following the recommendations of
in 7.2 to 7.8. Typical details of companion way ladders this code. Thestatementshould include the number of this standard,
i.e. BS 5395 : Pat? 3, and the design loads.
are shown in figure 4.

7.2 Width
The width between strings should be in the range 450 mrn
to 550 mm. Table 3. Platform and walkway floor loads

7.3 Slope Use of platform or walkway UDL Concentrated load

(see note 1 ) over square of
The minimum slopeshoutd be 65 ' and the maximum 300 mrn side
slope should be 75 ". .- -
-..-
(see note 2)

k~/m' kN at 1.0 rn
The minimum clear space on the user side of a companion centres
way [adder, measured at right angles to the strings, should Light duty.
be 1200 mm. The front edge of the first step down from Access limited 3.0 1.0
platform level should be a minimum of 250 mm from any to one person
vertical wall or other obstruction,
General duty.
7.5 Rise Regular two-way 5.0 1.0
It is essential to make all rises in a flight uniform. The mini- pedestrian traffic
mum rise should be 225 mm and the maximum rise should
be 255 mm. Heavy duty.
High density 7.5 1.0 (see 8.2.2)
7.6 Strings pedestrian traffic
Strings should be designed following the recommendations
for strings for stairs (see 5.8). NOTE 1. The uniformly distributed toad (UDL) is the equivalent
uniformly disiributed rtatic load per square metre of plan area.
7.7 Treads NOTE 2. Concentrated loads should be considered t o be applied
in the positions which produce the maximum stresses, or, where
Treads should be designed in the same way as treads for deflection is the design criterion, i n the posirionr which produce
stairs (see 5.7) and should have a minimum width of maximum deflection.
100 mm with an overlap of 20 mm. The top surface of the
top tread should be positioned at platform level and there
should be no gap between t h e tread and the platform (see
figure 4).
 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

Figure 4. Typical companion way ladder

- BS,5395 : Part 3 : 1985
*

8.2 Vertical loads and deflections 10 Protective barriers

8.2.1 Design loads should be taken to be not less than
those given in table 3. f he platform or walkway should 10.1 General
be designed t o carry either the appropriate distributed toad Except where otherwise stated in this clause, protective
or the appropriate concentrated load, whichever produces barriers (including handrails) should be designed following
the greater stress in the section being considered. the recommendations in BS 6180. There should be not less
than two rails in the same vertical plane, the lower rail
82.2 The designer should always allow for concentrated
being positioned midway between the top rail and the
loads greater than 1.0 kN at 1.0 m centres after full con-
platform/stair pitch tine or the top of the upstand or toe
sideration of machinery and other items which might be
plate. On companion way ladders and on stairs bounded
placed on the platform or walkway, and should make
by a wall, a single handrail should be fitted.
additional allowance for any dynamic loads.
Wherever possible, handrails should be continuous and
8.2.3 The deflection of a floor panel under design load follow the line of the nosing. Sharp changes of direction
should not exceed 10 rnm or '/zoo of the span, whichever in the vertical plane should be avoided. To avoid injury or
is the sma Her. damage, rails should terminate in a returned end, either to
1"7 t h e wall or to the kneerail, or return to the newel post.
.
'1,
.
3 Fixings Returned ends should not extend more than 350 mm from
Ptatforms and walkways should not be fixed solely by the centreline of a newel post. At the foot of the stairs the
their own weight. handrail returned end should extend a t least to the point
When using fixings relying on tension alone, the working of maximum extension of the string.
load(s) should be increased by a factor of 1.5. Typical details of protective barriers are shown in figure 5.
The designer should consider whether corrosion or fatigue
stresses will unduly affect the life of the fixing. 10.2 Lateral loads
The minimum design imposed lateral loads given in table 4
8.4 Handrails should be used for handrails.
At1 platforms and walkways should have handrails around
all open sides, as recommended in clause 10. Table 4. Lateral loads for handrails

8.5 Toe plates {kicking plates) Use of handrail

Toe plates should be provided around all open sides of

platform and walkways and beneath the first step of
any open riser stair, as recommended in clause 9. Light duty. Access limited to one person
General duty. Regular two-way
-
_.-
.-
_,
8.6 Walkways pedestrian traffic
r 9 walkway should normally be levet. Where the use of Heavy duty. High density pedesrrian
k ,,~clined walkways cannot be avoided, particular anention traffic; escape routes
should be given to ensuring that adequate traction can be Areas subject to crowd loading,
obtained by individuals using the walkway. The slope over 3 m wide
should never exceed 10

8.7 Nosings If there i s any possibility of vehicular impact the recom-,

mendations in appendix B of BS 6180 : 1982 should be
Where walkways are not slip resistant a slip resistant nosing
followed.
should be fitted a t the head of all stairs and access points
t o [adders and should match those used on stair treads
10.3 Joints
(see 5.7).
Joints in continuous rails should be positioned a t points of
minimum stress, and not more than 150 mm from the
centreline of a stanchion. They should not be placed out-
9 Edge protection board of the end stanchions and should not be placed
between corner stanchions. Joints should not have any
The open sides of platforms, walkways and landings, sharp edges or projections.
inctuding under the first step of an open riser stair rising
from an elevated position, should be protected by an
upstand or toe plate not less than 100 rnm high above ffoor Stanchions should never be mounred from toe plates.
level, so as to prevent personnel slipping below the mid-rail unless it can be shown that the toe plates are structural
and also items such as tools being inadvertently pushed off members.
the edge. Any gap between the floor and the upstand
should be not greater than 15 mm.
 BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985

Floor

NOTE. Details of self-closing gate omitred for clarity.

Figure 5. TypicaI arrangement of protective barriers

10.5 Clear spaces gate, which shoutd close gently but securely and should
There should be a clear space of not less than 75 mrn be designed t o swing only into the landing. Hol+open
behind t h e t o p rail, t o allow the rail to be hand held. devices should never be fitted.

10.6 Safety gates 10.7 Infill

Potentially hazardousareas, such as gap in handrails at Where additional protection i s required (see 5.6) ififill
the head of a ladder, should be protected by a self-dosing be provided beefigure 5)-
Publications referred to
The use of structural sreel in building
Quality of timber and workmanship in joinery
Part 1 Quality of timber
Part 2 Quality of workmanship
Steel, plate, sheet and strip
Part t Specification far carbon and carbon manganese plate, sheet and strip
Part 2 Specification for stainless and heat resisting steel plate. sheet and strip
Specification for grey iron castings
Specification for rolled copper and copper alloys: sheet. strip and foil
Copper and copper alloys. Forging stock and forgings
Copper and copper alfoys. Rods and sections (other than forging srock)
Specification for weldable s t r u m u d steels
Industrial open type metal flooring and srair treads
Structural use of timber
Part 2 Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and warkmanship
Stairs, ladders and walkways
Part 1 Code of practice for the design o f straight stairs
Part 2 Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairs
Code of practice for protective coaring of iron and steel structures again% corrosion
Fire precautions in the design and constmction of buildings
Part 1 Residential buildings
Part 2 Code of practice for shops
Part 3 Code of practice for office buildings
Building construction - Stairs
Part I Vocabulary
Code of practice for accuracy in building
Code of practice for access for t h e disabled to buildings
Glossary of building and civil engineering terms
Part 1 General
Code of practice for painting of buildings
Code of practice for prorective barriers in and about buildings
Structural use of concrete
The structural use of reinforced concrete in buiiding
The structural use of precast concrere
The structural use of aluminium
Recommendations for methods of protection agains? corrosion on light section steel used in building
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association Handbook No. 7, Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handtails*

*Referred t o in the foreword only.

*
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BS 5395 : Part 3 : 1985
'.
This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of implementing the standard, of necessary detarls such as symbols and
the Elements and Components (of Diverse Mater~ais)for Burldings size. type or grade designattons. Enqulrles should be addressed ro
Standards Committee, was published under the authority of the the Publications Manager, BSI. Linford Wood. Milton Keynes
Board o f BSI and comes into effect o n 29 November 1985. MK14 6LE.The number for telephone enquiries is 0908 220022
Q British Standards Institution, 1985 and for telex 825777.
ISBN 0 580 14706 1 Contract requirements. A British Standard does noT purport 10
rnciude all the necessary piovlslons of a contract. Users of Britlsh
The foltowing BSI references relate t o the work on this standard: Standards are responsible for t h e ~ rcorrect applicat~on.
Committee reference ECW2 Draft for commenr 8311 1289 DC

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-t

Committees responsible for this British Standard

The preparation o f this British Standard was entrusted by the Health and Safety Executive
Elements and Components ( o f Diverse Materials) for Bu~idings lncorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors
Standards Committee (ECBI-) t o Technical Cornmitree ECB/2. Institution of Mechanical Engineers
upon which the following bodies were represented: lnstitution of Strucruml Engineers
British Woodworking Federation Joinery Managers' Association Ltd.
Consumer Standards Advisory Committee of 351 London Regional Transport
Departmenr of Health and Social Security Roval Institute of British Archirects
Department of The Environment (Building Research Establishment, Scottish Dwelopment Departmenr
Princes Risborough Laboratory] Spiral Stair Manufacxiren Association
Department of the Environmenr: for Norrhern Ireland Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Assocjarjon
Department of rhe Environment, Housjng and Construction
industries The f o l l o w ~ n gwere aiso represented in the drafting of the :itandard,
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association through subcommittees and panels:
Greater London Council Coopred members

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date of issue T e x t affected

!
I

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