What is required for safe access around electric equipment installed on platforms or balconies?

Safe access around electric equipment installed on platforms or balconies is crucial for the protection of workers and the proper functioning of the equipment. The selection of permanent ladders or stairways as the correct approach is based on the fact that they provide stable, reliable, and consistent means of access that minimizes the risk of falls or accidents.

Permanent ladders or stairways offer a safe and designed pathway for personnel, ensuring that workers can traverse the area without the added risks that temporary or mobile solutions may pose. These permanent features are usually built to meet specific safety standards and codes, which address aspects like weight capacity, dimensions, and materials, further enhancing safety.

On the other hand, mobile scaffolding, portable ladders, and handrails may provide some level of access and safety, but they do not guarantee the same level of stability and security as a well-constructed permanent ladder or stairway. Mobile scaffolding can shift during use, and portable ladders require careful setup and are subject to user error. Handrails contribute to safety but do not, in themselves, provide a means of access. Thus, while all these structures can play a role in a comprehensive safety strategy, permanent ladders or stairways are foundational for establishing safe access in environments with electrical equipment