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Minimum walkway width

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ToadJones

Structural
Jan 14, 2010
2,299
I'm looking for a reference for the minimum walkway width required for a bulk storage rack in an industrial building.
Essentially, it is a storage rack with walkway access to higher levels of storage.

Thanks
 
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I thought it was something like 2 feet but I will try and have a look.
 
I'd make it 36 inches wide per IBC 1017.2. If it was equipment access only you could go 24 inches, but for storage, I'd make it the same as for an occupant load of less than 50.
 
You could also ask the building manager if 36" is OK with him. I've done a number of renovations in treatment plants and pumping stations. The foreman & superintendants usually like to discuss access, circulation, equipment placements, etc in order to make things more functional for them.
 
Emergency access/egress?

Or just irregular service: maintenance or measurement without needing to carry anything wider than 24 inches?
 
It is essentially a plate storage rack.
A man will need to use the walk ways to hook up a plate clamp on top of ~8' tall plates.
 
I'm not sure if there is a minimum width- but I note OSHA requires certain runways to be at least 18" if they are built with railing on one side only. Presumably, this means they can be narrower if they have railings on both sides.

If two people will ever have to pass each other on it, I would think a good bit wider would be in order.
 
Jstephen-
can you point out the 18" minimum in OSHA please?
 
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