A catwalk system, also known as a runway, is a narrow pathway or extended platform that gives workers safe access to elevated working areas. These systems help workers easily access maintenance areas, hard-to-reach equipment, and other parts of their facility. Are you looking to integrate a catwalk system into your warehouse? Keep reading to learn how ErectaStep’s modular and prefabricated catwalk system integrates seamlessly into your space without welding or custom fabrication.
What are the Elements of a Modular Catwalk System?
This system has five main components for catwalk construction that can be assembled and configured without welding or custom fabrication. From simple walkways to valve access platforms, use these elements to create the perfect solution for your worksite:
- Universal platforms
- Tower supports
- Handrails
- Metal stairs
- Ladders
Read more about this product in our previous post, The Benefits of Modular Catwalk Platforms.
What are Common Types of Catwalks?
Catwalk systems are one of the most versatile solutions on the market and can be used in countless industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, food processing, and more. Northern Platforms can help you set up industrial platforms, bridge maintenance walkways, construction site platforms, shipyard access platforms, and more. Erectastep’s modular catwalk systems have even been used in wineries to help elevate safe and easy access for workers!
What are the OSHA and OH&S Standards for Catwalks?
Occupational regulations for catwalks are important because they guarantee safe working and walking standards for individuals using a catwalk system in the workplace. All of ErectaStep’s bolt-together components are pre-engineered to comply with OSHA standards, including handrail specifications, tread depth, and riser height.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations regarding equipment in the United States. You can find general rules around catwalk systems can be found in OSHA Section 1910 Subpart D. These regulations state that elevated walkways must be:
- Kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.
- Free of fall hazards, including protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
- Inspected regularly and maintained when necessary.
- Able to maintain the maximum intended load.
Additionally, here are the more specific OSHA regulations around handrails, width, and load requirements:
- Handrail requirements: Required for catwalks located 4 feet or higher above a lower level.
- Width requirements: Minimum width is 18 inches. If accessed by a stairway, the catwalk must be the width of the stairway (minimum 22 inches).
- Load requirements: Must support the maximum load, which includes the weight of employees, equipment and materials.
- Toeboard requirements: Must be used to prevent objects from falling off elevated walkways. Minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches and withstand a force of at least 50 pounds.
- Opening requirements: All openings must be protected by fall protection systems if they pose a risk of falls.
OH&S
For Canadians, labour regulations vary by province. However, most Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Codesrequire that the catwalk is:
- Strong enough to support workers and equipment.
- At least 600 millimetres wide.
- Wide enough to allow safe movement for workers and equipment.
- Has appropriate toe boards and guardrails.
For further information about specific regulations in your province, consult the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
Trust Northern Platforms for Catwalk Systems, Modular Work Platforms, and More
Based in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms has provided safe access solutions to Canadians since 2002. We have catwalk systems for sale and ready to ship, as well as other safe access solutions from reputable manufacturers like RollaStep, SafeRack, and YellowGate. Not sure what type of system will work for you? Call us, and one of our experts can visit your site and provide recommendations to make your workplace safer and more efficient. Get started today!