Descending stairs safely
- Safety Flash
- Published on 30 July 2021
- Generated on 4 November 2026
- IMCA SF 21/21
- 1 minute read
On one of our Members’ vessels, an observation was raised relating to the hazards associated with steep stairs.
The subject is worthy of a timely reminder for us all. There are diverse international standards and references for stairs.
For example, the United States’ OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines that all ship stairs (or ship ladders) “between 60 and 90 degrees, be device-facing, so any ship's ladder that is angled 60 degrees or steeper must be descended backing down”.
|
Members may wish to revisit or re-use the IMCA posters on safe use of stairs and ladders: |
|
 |
 |
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 19/20
23 June 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 22/18
25 September 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 31/17
15 December 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 33/16
6 December 2016
-
IMCA SF 19/16
12 July 2016
-
IMCA SF 20/15
3 December 2015
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.