Requirements for Industrial Catwalk

[fogell21]

I may be posting this in the wrong forum but I figured Structural engineers would be the ones to go to for this topic.

I am looking at installing some industrial catwalks for access to raised equipment. Could somebody tell me the width requirement (for ontario)? Does the width requirement change as the height of the catwalk increases? Also, what is the height requirement for the railings?

If anyone could answer these questions and if there is anything else I need to know that would be great!

 

[nuche1973]

Usually these issues are addressed in an occupational type code, like OSHA. I'd check and see if there is a Canadian equivalent.

 

[bridgebuster]

I agree with nuche1973 - see if there's a Canadian equivalent to OSHA. I'm sure there is. In the US, the width doesn't change with the height. Railings are - without checking - I believe it's 3'-6" with a 4" toe guard.

 

[SrVaro]

I concure with the two above. I know you are dealing with a Canada code, but I would think it would be similar to OSHA. OSHA stated the width needs to be as required to complete any work without impeding the walkway. So depending on the use of the walkway, ie purely inspection or to remove a part will in part determine the overall width. The height above ground does not matter for the width. If 3' wide is acceptable for 10' above it would also be acceptable for 50' above.

Again for the US, handrails need to be 3'-6" above the walking surface with a mid-height rail (1'-9"). If this is an egress walkway there are additional requirements for the railing, ie a third rail.