1969-HKRS30-8-59_Part07 — Page 37

Stairways.

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(2) Subject to paragraph (3), every stairway leading from below to the weather deck shall be protected in the way of openings in the freeboard and superstructure decks which communicate with spaces allocated for the accommodation of unberthed passengers, by permanent steel deckhouses of not less than 6 feet in clear height or by such other arrangements as are approved by the Director.

(3) Subject to the approval of the Director, such a deckhouse shall not be required-

(a) where a stairway from below leads into an enclosed

superstructure; or

(b) in the case of ships engaged exclusively in the river trade arça, other than to openings forward of a point distant th of the ships registered length measured from the stem.

(4) In any case where, in accordance with paragraph (3), a deckhouse is not required, substantial guard rails complying with the requirements prescribed in regulation 12 shall be securely fitted in way of the stairway openings.

(5) A separate stairway shall be provided for each compart- ment or space allocated for the accommodation of unberthed passengers.

(6) In no case shall the only means of communication with any such compartment or space consist of an opening in a bulk- head that forms part of the sub-division arrangements of the ship unless each such opening is-

(a) trunked watertight to the bulkhead deck; and (b) approved by the Director.

14. (1) No arrangement by which access to the weather deck is by stairways leading into any space not allocated for the accommodation of unberthed passengers will be accepted unless-

(a) full particulars with plans of the proposed arrangement have been submitted in accordance with paragraph (2) of regulation 4; and

(b) the arrangement has been approved by the Director.

(2) Every stairway shall be arranged in a fore and aft direction.

(3) The angle of every stairway from the vertical shall be not less than 37°.

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(4) Every stairway shall have at least 6 feet clear headroom above each stair tread.

(5) No stairway shall be less than 30 inches in width.

(6) No stairway shall exceed 60 inches in width unless it is fitted with intermediate rails neither less than 30 inches apart nor more than 60 inches apart.

(7) For the purposes of paragraphs (5) and (6), the width of every stairway shall be measured on a tread and within the sides unless the bandrails encroach on the tread, in which case, the width of the stairway shall be ascertained by measuring the distance between the handrails.

(8) Wherever it is practicable-

(a) more than one stairway shall be fitted to every compart- ment or space allocated for the accommodation of passengers;

(b) stairways shall be situated as far apart from each other as is practicable at the opposite ends of each such compartment or space.

(9) Every stairway shall be constructed of steel, including the frame, thread and risers and shall be-

(a) properly secured;

(8) sparred on the back; and

(c) fitted with handrails consisting of material other than

ropes.

(10) Where the sides of any stairway is not bounded by bulk- heads, an additional rail shall be fitted below each bandrail.

15. (t) Landings shall be fitted—

(a) within the protecting deckhouses specified in paragraph

(2) of regulation 13; and

(b) elsewhere where stairways are fitted, at the head of

each flight of stairs.

(2) Every landing shall be at least as wide as the stairway to which it is fitted and shall be not less than 24 inches in length.

16. (1) The clear width of every entrance or exit door, hinged or sliding, shall be at least as wide as the stairways or passageway it serves when it is opened to the fullest extent.

(2) Every such hinged door shall open outwards.

Landings.

Doors and entrances.