Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00337:body:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00337
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 37736–40158

has a depth of at least 1.5 m from the level of the uppermost deck of the space to the bottom of the space must have at least 1 unobstructed means of access from the uppermost deck of the space to the level where the loading or unloading is to take place.

2 Access openings
      (1) Access to an enclosed cargo space must include an access opening and an adjacent permanent ladder, both:
(a) clear of the hatchway through which cargo is loaded or unloaded; and
(b) located so that a person using the access will not enter the operating area directly below the cargo hatchway.
      (2) An opening for access to an enclosed cargo space must:
(a) be:
 (i) for a vessel built before 1 August 1998 — at least 550 mm by 550 mm; or
 (ii) in any other case — clear of all obstructions by at least 600 mm by 600 mm within the coaming; and
(b) continue to the deck or platform below on an axis parallel to the ladder; and
(c) have fittings beside the opening that provide a secure handhold and foothold for persons using the opening.

3 Access covers to enclosed cargo spaces
       A cover or closing appliance fitted to an access to an enclosed cargo space opening must be securable in the open position.

4 Coamings where fitted to allow access to enclosed cargo spaces
      (1) If a coaming fitted to an access opening is more than 450 mm above the deck, steps, cleats or rungs must be fitted inside the coaming to form a continuation of the access ladder:
(a) to within 450 mm from the top of the coaming; and
(b) providing a foothold:
 (i) at least 300 mm wide; and
 (ii) with tread depth for a step, or clearance from the coaming for a rung or cleat, of at least 150 mm; and
(c) spaced at equal intervals corresponding to the steps or rungs of the access ladder; and
(d) constructed to prevent slipping.
      (2) For a coaming that is more than 900 mm above the deck, there must be steps or cleats outside the coaming suitable for use by a person climbing over the coaming to enter or leave the hatch.

5 Access in bulk carriers
      (1) If bulk cargo is to be loaded into or unloaded from a cargo space, there must be means for a person to escape from the cargo space in an emergency.
      (2) In a bulk carrier, a cargo space requiring personnel access for loading or unloading must have:
(a) a means of access that complies with:
 (i) clause 1, if the conditions mentioned in clause 1 apply; and
 (ii) clauses 2, 3,