EN 14015:2004 (E)

13.11 Stairways and walkways

13.11.1 Stairways and walkways shall be in accordance with EN ISO 14122, together with the specific
requirements in 13.11.2 to 13.11.6, 13.12 and 13.13.

13.11.2 Stairways and walkways shall be of metallic construction and the minimum clear walking
space shall be 600 mm.

NOTE 1 It is recommended that the angle of stairways to the horizontal plane should not exceed 45°.

NOTE 2 For stairways on insulated tanks, see Annex Q.

13.11.3 The stairway treads shall be of the non slip type.

NOTE 1 The rise should normally be 200 mm, and the tread should have a minimum width of 200 mm
measured at the mid length of tread. The rise may be adjusted to within ± 5 mm to make treads level with
landings or platforms.

NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to possible local or National Regulations.

13.11.4 Spiral type stairways incorporating stair treads welded directly to the shell, or by means of
local pads, shall only be permissible where:
2
a) the minimum specified yield strength of the shell material does not exceed or equal 275 N/mm ;
or
2
b) the minimum specified yield strength of the shell material exceeds 275 N/mm and the shell
thickness does not exceed 12,5 mm.
2
Where the minimum specified yield strength of the shell material exceeds 275 N/mm and the shell
thickness exceeds 12,5 mm, stairways shall be independently supported or affixed by horizontally
oriented continuous welds (see 13.15).

13.11.5 Stairways and walkways shall be capable of supporting a minimum superimposed load of
2
2,4 kN/m , a concentrated load of 5 kN at any location, together with the wind loads specified for the
design of the shell.

NOTE It is recommended that where the vertical rise of stairways is more than 6 m, intermediate landing or
landings should be provided.

13.11.6 Tank walkways which extend from one part of a tank to any part of an adjacent tank, or to the
ground, or any other structure, shall be so supported as to permit free relative movement of the
structures joined by the walkway.

13.12 Handrailing

13.12.1 Handrailing to tank roofs, stairways and walkways shall be solid steel bar or sections, and
shall be designed to protect personnel and prevent objects from falling.

NOTE It is recommended that the handrail should be capable of withstanding a point load of 1 kN applied at
any point and in any direction.

13.12.2 Handrails shall be provided on both sides of walkways and stairways, except on spiral
stairways where the distance between the tank shell and the inner stringer is less than or equal to
200 mm when no inner handrail is required. At breaks in the handrail, any space between the tank
and the platform which exceeds 150 mm in width shall be floored.

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