Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.160.017–13 Construction

(a) General. Each chain ladder must have two suspension members. Each step in the ladder must be supported at each end by a suspension member.

(b) Suspension member. The distance between the two suspension members must be at least 400 mm (16 in.), but not more than 480 mm (19 in.). The chain between each top lashing ring and the first step must be long enough so that the distance between the center of the lashing ring and the top of the first step is approximately 600 mm (24 in.).

(c) Lashing rings. A lashing ring must be securely attached to the top and bottom of each suspension member. The means of attachment must be at least as strong as the chain and the lashing ring.

(d) Thimble or wear plate. A thimble or wear plate must be attached to the chain where it can slide on its connections to the lashing rings.

(e) Steps. Each step of a ladder must have two rungs arranged to provide a suitable handhold and stepping surface. The distance between steps must be uniform. This distance must be between 300 mm (12 in.) and 380 mm (15 in.).

(f) Rungs. Step rungs must meet the following requirements:

(g) Spacer ears. Spacer ears must meet the following requirements:

(h) Fasteners. Each fastening device must have a means to prevent the device from loosening.

(i) Workmanship. A ladder must not have splinters, burrs, sharp edges, corners, projections, or other defects that could injure a person using the ladder.