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Fixed & Ship Ladder

Prefabricated Fixed & Ship Ladders for Compact, Code-Compliant Access

SafeRack’s prefabricated fixed and ship ladders provide secure, space-efficient access for inspections, maintenance, and emergency use. Their modular, bolt-together design eliminates the delays of custom fabrication, making installation faster and more straightforward.

Constructed from industrial-grade aluminum, these ladders are corrosion-resistant and built for long-term performance in both industrial and commercial settings. Our OSHA-compliant ship ladder features a steep incline that’s ideal for areas with limited horizontal clearance, offering reliable access where standard stairs won’t fit.

With pre-engineered components, these systems reduce installation timelines and help you stay compliant without the added expense of custom design work.

  • Time is Money! – Pre-engineered to reduce planning and installation time from weeks to just a few days
  • Prefabricated – Modular components eliminate the need for custom fabrication
  • Bolts Together – Installs easily with common tools—no welding, cranes, or special equipment needed
  • Installs Quickly – No hot work permits or shutdowns required for installation
  • OSHA Compliant – Designed to meet or exceed OSHA safety standards
  • Aluminum – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and virtually maintenance-free
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Fixed & Ship Ladder
ErectaStep Ship Ladder Sheet
ErectaStep Ship Ladder Sheet

Features

Platforms

handrails

towers

stairs

Ladders

Prefabricated Stairs

OSHA Compliant. IBC options available

Quality Manufactured in the United States

Made with heavy, marine-grade aluminum.

No welding or special tools needed.
Bolts together easily.

In stock, ready-to-ship

Modular and customizable design
eliminates costly engineering.

Custom colors available.
Safety yellow and mill finish standard.

ErectaStep
Eliminates costly engineering and
time consuming fabrication

With our proprietary configurator, we can build your unique stair or work platform configurations in minutes. We can also create pre-engineered shop drawings at no additional cost by adding the project measurements.

You’ll also be able to visualize your project with realistic rendering in real-time. You can be confident your design meets all OSHA requirements without the time and expense of an engineer.

ship ladder

Ship Ladder

Prefabricated Steep Incline, Short Run Industrial Stairs

  • 24″ tread width, 4″ tread depth
  • Powder-coated handrails
  • Always OSHA-compliant
  • All aluminum construction
  • Engineered for durability

Custom Configurations Available

Made in the USA

OHSA Compliant

Fixed Ladders

ErectaStep’s prefabricated modular design allows fixed ladders to be configured to integrate with your facility’s vertical access and fixed ladder requirements without requiring custom fabrication.

  • Prefabricated – Eliminate custom fabrication
  • 4″ tread depth
  • Powder-coated handrails
  • Always OSHA-compliant
  • All aluminum construction
  • Engineered for durability

Custom Configurations Available

Made in the USA

OHSA Compliant

Resources & Specifications

Videos
ErectaStep Configurator In Action
ErectaStep Product Overview
Starliner capsule assembly with ErectaStep
Resources
ErectaStep Ship Ladder Sheet
Specs & Manuals
Download
1′ – 18′ Ship Ladder Drawings & Specifications 
Ship Ladder Specifications
Frequently Asked Question
Where should a ship ladder be used instead of a traditional stair?

Ship ladders are best suited for tight spaces where a full stair run is not feasible, such as access to mezzanines, equipment platforms, mechanical rooms, or maintenance areas.

Are ErectaStep ship ladders compliant with OSHA regulations?

Yes. ErectaStep ship ladders are pre-engineered to meet OSHA guidelines, including slope, tread depth, handrails, and clearance requirements.

Can the ladder height and angle be customized?

Absolutely. Each ladder can be configured to match your specific elevation, space constraints, and access needs, ensuring a proper fit without field modification.

Is a ship ladder appropriate for public or commercial use?

No. Due to its steep incline, a ship ladder is designed for industrial use only and is not suitable for general public or office access.

What is a ship ladder?

A ship ladder is a steeply inclined stair system (typically between 50° and 70°) used when space constraints make traditional stair runs impractical. Though originally named for their use on marine vessels, ship ladders are commonly installed in industrial environments such as factories, plants, and processing facilities where vertical access is needed but space is limited.

Defined by OSHA under proposed section 1910.21, a ship ladder includes stair treads and handrails and provides safer access than vertical ladders in confined areas. ErectaStep’s OSHA-compliant ship ladders are durable, stable, and fully configurable, allowing for a precise fit in tight industrial spaces. While ideal for maintenance and equipment access, they are not recommended for public, commercial, or residential applications due to their steep incline and specialized use.

Customer Reviews

★★★★

I'm very pleased with the product and more importantly the service. Chris Hite was extremely responsive. He did an excellent job making sure that the gangway requested would meet our needs. We've found a new supplier and sales force that is willing and able to ensure our needs are met. I'm very pleased with the product and more importantly the service.

By Jason B. from SNF Flocryl

★★★★★

Rolling Stairs The quality of the brands met our customer's satisfaction.

By Richard R. from Shining Ray Global

★★★★★

Better fall protection for our staff. Safety, safety, safety. Good experience with Ike in Customer Service getting the missing hardware corrected swiftly. Great product – it has my recommendation.

By Buddy S. from Brenntag NE

ErectaStep Work Platform Extremely satisfied with our product.

By Wesley F. from Natural Gas Pipeline Co