Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(1) If the depth from the level of the deck to the bottom of the hold exceed 1.5 metres there shall be maintained safe means of access from the deck to the hold in which dock work is being carried on. (2) Save as hereinafter provided such access shall be afforded by ladder and by ladder cleats or cups on the coamings, and shall not be deemed to be safe,- (a) unless the ladders between the lower decks are in the same line as the ladder from the top deck if the same is practicable having regard to the position of the lower hatch or hatches; (b) unless the ladders provide a foothold of a depth including any space behind the ladder of not less than 11.5 cm. for a width of 25 cm. and a firm handhold; (c) unless the cleats or cups provided on coamings (i) provide a foothold of a depth including any space behind the cleats or cups of not less than 11.5 cm. for a width of 25 cm. and a firm hand hold; (ii) are so constructed as to prevent a man's foot slipping off the side, (iii) are placed vertically one above the other and in the same lines as the ladders to which they give access; (d) unless the cargo is stowed sufficiently far from the ladder to leave at each rung of the ladder foot-hold of a depth including any space behind the ladder of not less than 11.5 cm. for width of 25 cm. and a firm handhold; (e) unless there is room to pass between a winch or other obstruction and the coamings at the place where the ladder leaves the deck; or (f) if the ladder is recessed under the deck more than is reasonably necessary to keep the ladder clear of the hatchway: Provided that such access may be afforded,- (i) where the provision of a ladder on a bulkhead or in trunk hatchway can be shown to be reasonably impracticable by cleats or cups complying with the requirements of clause (c); (ii) by ladders or steps, separate from any hatchway or comply with the requirements of clauses (b), (d) and (e), sloping from deck to deck, if such ladders or steps.