Figure 1 - Altemative extension service rope arrangements at top of ladder.
4.4 Each side rope shall pass through a hole in each step. If the hole is in the form of a slot, the slot shall be in the longer edges of the steps. The center of each hole shall be at least 50 mm from the end of the step.
Alternative arrangements are shown in Figure 2.
4.5 Each pair of side ropes shall be secured together both above and below each step with a mechanical clamping device or seizing method which holds each step level when the ladder is hanging freely. Alternative arrangements are shown in Figure 3.
4.6 If a mechanical clamping device is used to secure the side ropes and hold the step in place, the device shall not extend above or below the step surfaces by more than a distance equal to one-half the width of the step, so that the step is not prevented from rolling if caught between a boat and the hull of the ship. See Figure 3.
4.7 If a seizing method is used to secure steps and side ropes, a step fixture shall be used above and below the step. The step fixture shall be designed to lead and support the side ropes from the step to the point above or
