Handrail Stanchions and Sockets for Steel Wharf Ladder

Quote the length H. For the steel stanchion the catalogue gives no standard length and asks for H to be stated on every order; measure it on a sound stanchion of the same ladder, and say how many stanchion-and-socket sets you need.^[1]

For the aluminium-alloy version the standard length between the centre of the hand-rope eye and the other end is 990 mm for a JIS-type aluminium wharf ladder; for any other ladder the length must be specified from the ladder in use. Order the material that matches the ladder: the IMO guidelines ask for close examination for corrosion where aluminium access equipment has mild-steel fittings.^[2][4]

MSC.1/Circ.1331/Rev.1 (28 August 2025), the IMO guidelines for means of embarkation and disembarkation under SOLAS II-1/3-9, says bent stanchions should be replaced or repaired and guard ropes inspected for wear and renewed where necessary. Stanchions, safety pins, rigid handrails and hand ropes are on the list examined at the annual survey, and inspections and repairs should be recorded.^[4]

COSWP asks for rigging such as guard ropes and chains to be kept taut at all times and stanchions rigidly secured. Where a portable ladder is used for access it should be inspected regularly by a competent person, set at 75° from the horizontal and extend at least 1 m above the upper landing unless there are other suitable handholds.^[5]