Range of application: Access to machinery and mechanical systems.
Irrespective of the climbing height:
As a safety railing, back protection is preferable to fall protection (combination is not permitted as the rescue of persons is hindered by the back protection).
The need for an occupational medical examination for suitability for working at height (e.g. G 41) depends on the risk assessment (e.g. total climbing height, type of safety railing) of the respective vertical ladder systems
Proof of the load-bearing capacity of the underlying surface must be provided for each construction project by a responsible stability expert
Barrier (safety door) is always required
If required by the access situation, vertical ladders with fall protection must be fitted with suitable protective devices (e.g. steel lockable door) to prevent unauthorised use
For lateral bridging steps, the ladder sections must run at a higher level
The overlap of the back protection must be at least 2,000 mm for multiple-flight ladders.
At unsecured exit points, railings attached to both sides of the vertical ladder or led into the exit level are required
Gap at exit step must not be larger than 60 – 75 mm
Step-on dimension: Distance from entry level to the first rung 100–400 mm. The top edge of the uppermost rung must be at the same height as the walking surface of the exit point
The clearances between the vertical ladder system and the railing must not exceed 120 mm
The connection to the fall protection must be established and released from a secured standing position