Pilot Ladder Parts

A pilot ladder is composed of rubber steps (usually the bottom four), wooden steps, spreaders (also called preventer steps), step fixing pieces, and ropes.

Rope:
The ropes must be made of mold-resistant manila or heat-treated polyester with a polypropylene core. They should not be covered. The rope size must be at least 57 mm in circumference and have a breaking strength of more than 24 kN.

Steps:
The clear distance between the inner sides of the ropes must be at least 400 mm. Each step should have a minimum width of 115 mm and a thickness of at least 25 mm. Steps must be made of strong hardwood, free from knots, non-slip, and spaced evenly at 330 mm ± 20 mm.

Rubber Steps:
The lowest four steps may be made of durable rubber or similar synthetic material, provided they are strong and rigid enough. Their dimensions must be the same as the wooden steps.

Spreader:
Spreaders must follow the same requirements as regular steps, but their length should not be less than 1.8 meters.

Step Fixing Piece:
These should be made from either wood or plastic.

Fastening Hardware:
All hardware used to secure the ropes and steps must be corrosion-resistant or treated to prevent corrosion.