EN 13586:2020 Crane Access Technical Requirements Explained
EN 13586:2020 "Cranes — Access" is the European safety standard governing access systems and walkways on cranes, covering all types of overhead, gantry, tower, and mobile cranes. The standard specifies detailed requirements including walkway width (≥500 mm), guardrail height (1,000–1,100 mm with intermediate rail), toe board height (≥100 mm), tread material (anti-slip steel plate with openings ≤20 mm), ladder inclination (60–75 degrees, rung width ≥300 mm, spacing 250–300 mm), platform dimensions (≥600 × 600 mm), and access load (≥3 kN/m²) — ensuring safe entry and exit for operation and maintenance personnel across all crane sections.
Technical Requirements for Crane Access Systems
EN 13586 applies to access systems on all crane types. Walkways must be at least 500 mm wide, with guardrails 1,000–1,100 mm high including an intermediate rail and toe board. Treads are made of anti-slip steel plate with openings no larger than 20 mm. Ladders must be inclined at 60–75 degrees, with rungs at least 300 mm wide and spaced 250–300 mm apart. Platforms require a minimum area of 600 × 600 mm. The access load rating is at least 3 kN/m². Guardrails are mandatory above 2 m, and ladders exceeding 3 m must be fitted with a safety fall-arrest guide rail. Kelude Heavy Industry designs all access components according to the standard.
Parameters and Inspection
Openings must be protected with hinged cover plates or guardrails. Access systems are designed for easy installation and removal without interfering with other crane components. Kelude Heavy Industry supplies walkways, ladders, and platforms that fully comply with the standard.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Walkway | >=500mm |
| Handrail | 1000~1100mm |
| Step | Anti-slip Steel Plate |
| Ladder Angle | 60~75Degree |
| Platform | >=600×600mm |
| Load | >=3kN/m2 |
| Inspection | Method |
|---|---|
| Factory | unit by unitaccording to the standard |
| type test | New Product/Per2Year |
EN 13586 ensures that operation and maintenance personnel can safely access all crane components requiring inspection or servicing. Walkways with a width of ≥500 mm allow personnel to pass through comfortably. Anti-slip tread plates with openings ≤20 mm in diameter prevent tools and small parts from falling through. Ladders exceeding 3 m in height must be fitted with a safety harness rail or safety cage to prevent falls. Kelude designs and manufactures crane access systems for the European market in full compliance with EN 13586.
The primary objective of EN 13586 is to provide safe access to all crane components that require inspection or maintenance. Walkways must be at least 500 mm wide to allow personnel to pass through comfortably. Handrails should be installed at a height of 1000–1100 mm, which aligns with ergonomic standards, and must include an intermediate rail. A toe board of at least 100 mm in height must be fitted along the edge of walkways to prevent tools and debris from falling. Tread plates are made of anti-slip steel (chequered or perforated), with openings no larger than 20 mm in diameter to prevent small items such as bolts and coins from dropping through. Ladders exceeding 3 m in height must be equipped with a safety harness rail or safety cage to protect personnel from falls. Openings in walkways and platforms must be protected by hinged cover plates or guardrails. The access system should be easy to install and dismantle without interfering with the normal operation of other crane components. Kelude designs and manufactures crane access systems for the European market in full compliance with EN 13586, ensuring personnel safety at all times.
EN 13586 Crane Access: Key Requirements & FAQ
Q: What are the specific dimensional requirements for walkways and handrails under EN 13586:2020?
A: Walkways must be at least 500 mm wide to allow personnel to pass through comfortably. Handrails should be installed at a height of 1000–1100 mm and include an intermediate rail. The vertical load on the handrail at the walkway edge must withstand ≥1 kN/m. A toe board of at least 100 mm in height must be fitted along the walkway edge to prevent tools from falling. Tread plates are made of anti-slip steel (chequered or perforated) with openings no larger than 20 mm in diameter. The access system must be designed to withstand a load of ≥3 kN/m² to accommodate personnel carrying tools.
Q: What are the dimensional requirements for ladders and platforms under EN 13586:2020?
A: Ladders must be inclined at an angle of 60–75 degrees, with rungs at least 300 mm wide and spaced 250–300 mm apart to ensure safe climbing. Platforms must measure at least 600×600 mm to provide sufficient standing space. Handrails and toe boards are required for any height exceeding 2 m. Ladders taller than 3 m must be fitted with a safety harness rail or safety cage to prevent falls. Openings in ladders and platforms must be protected by hinged cover plates or guardrails.
Q: What protection is required for openings in access systems under EN 13586:2020?
A: Openings in walkways and platforms must be protected by hinged cover plates or openable guardrails. Any opening at a height exceeding 2 m must be surrounded by handrails and toe boards. The access system should be easy to install and dismantle without affecting the normal operation or maintenance of other crane components. Load tests must be conducted on the access system to verify that its load capacity meets the design requirements.
Q: How does Kelude apply EN 13586:2020 to its crane access designs?
A: Kelude designs and manufactures crane access systems for the European market in full compliance with EN 13586:2020. Walkways are ≥500 mm wide with anti-slip tread plates featuring openings ≤20 mm. Handrails are installed at a height of 1000–1100 mm with an intermediate rail, and toe boards are ≥100 mm high. Ladders are inclined at 60–75 degrees with rungs ≥300 mm wide. Platforms measure ≥600×600 mm. The system is designed to withstand a load of ≥3 kN/m². These access systems are standard on cranes exported to Europe, ensuring personnel safety.
