ASTM F1385-07(2023)

Standard Practice for Platforms in Cargo Tanks

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice establishes the procedure for the construction and installation of platforms to be fabricated and installed by the shipyards within the cargo tanks.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers design, construction, and installation criteria for platforms in cargo tanks.  
1.2 Where platforms are attached to ladders see Figs. 1-4.
FIG. 1 Cargo Platform—Bulkhead  
FIG. 2 Cargo Platform Elevation  
FIG. 3 Cargo Platform—Girder  
FIG. 4 Cargo Platforms Showing Typical Sections  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are included for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 47.020.10 - Hulls and their structure elements
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.03 - Outfitting and Deck Machinery

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-12 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-08 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 15-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-05 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2005
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-04 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-03a - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 10-May-2003
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-03 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-02 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-00a - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Refers: ASTM A36/A36M-01 - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001

Overview

ASTM F1385-07(2023), Standard Practice for Platforms in Cargo Tanks, is a globally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This standard defines criteria for the design, construction, and installation of platforms within cargo tanks, predominantly for the marine and shipping industry. Developed in alignment with international standardization principles, ASTM F1385 ensures safe, reliable workmanship and access solutions for personnel and equipment in cargo tank environments.

Key Topics

• Construction and Installation Procedures
  The standard provides detailed guidance for fabricating and installing platforms inside cargo tanks. Emphasis is placed on structural stability, appropriate material selection, and adherence to marine vessel requirements.

• Design Criteria and Materials

  • Specifications cover the use of gratings, flanged and angle supports, stanchions, railings, and ladder clips.
  • References essential material standards such as ASTM A36/A36M for carbon structural steel, ensuring durability and performance.
  • All welding must comply with established rules and codes, including American Bureau of Shipping standards and the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel.

• Platform Load and Safety Features

  • Platforms must support static loads of at least 14 kPa (approximately 300 psf), with reinforcement for heavier applications.
  • Access openings, safety chains, and railing dimensions are strictly regulated to provide worker safety and prevent accidents.

• Surface Treatment and Workmanship

  • Requirements include finishing practices to eliminate sharp edges, burrs, and projections, minimizing risk to personnel and equipment.
  • Protective coatings, such as inorganic zinc silicate for general cargo tanks and polyurethane for fuel oil carrying spaces, enhance corrosion resistance and longevity.

Applications

• Shipyards and Marine Engineering
  ASTM F1385 is indispensable for shipyards responsible for integrating platforms into cargo tanks of new vessels or updating existing infrastructure. It provides technical clarity and consistency, optimizing both safety and operational efficiency.

• Inspection and Maintenance
  Equipped with well-defined criteria for materials, manufacture, and installation, the standard supports regulatory bodies and maintenance crews in verifying safe working platforms within cargo tanks.

• Global Trade and Compliance
  Being in accordance with WTO TBT principles, compliance with ASTM F1385 aids shipowners, operators, and builders in meeting international regulations and facilitating global maritime operations.

Related Standards

• ASTM A36/A36M - Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, frequently referenced for key structural elements of cargo tank platforms.
• MIL-G-18015 - Grating requirements for shipboard use.
• ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels - Ensures marine-grade construction.
• AWS D1.1 - Structural Welding Code-Steel, outlining welding best practices.
• SAE-AMS-C-27725 - Coatings for corrosion prevention in fuel tanks.
• Steel Structures Painting Council Specifications - Guidelines for surface treatments and coatings.

Summary

ASTM F1385-07(2023) Standard Practice for Platforms in Cargo Tanks provides essential requirements for the design, installation, material selection, workmanship, and safety features of platforms in cargo tank environments. By closely following this standard, marine professionals can ensure compliance with international regulations, achieve optimal safety, and extend the service life of cargo tank platforms. This standard is a key resource for shipbuilders, safety inspectors, and the broader maritime industry seeking reliable access solutions for complex cargo operations.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1385 − 07 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Platforms in Cargo Tanks
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1385; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.4 ABS Standard:
American Bureau of Shipping Rules for Building and
1.1 This practice covers design, construction, and installa-
Classing Steel Vessels
tion criteria for platforms in cargo tanks.
2.5 AWS Standard:
1.2 Where platforms are attached to ladders see Figs. 1-4.
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code—Steel
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
2.6 Other Standards:
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
SAE-AMS-C-27725 Coatings, Corrosion Preventative,
included for information only and are not considered standard.
Polyurethane, for Aircraft Integral Fuel Tanks for Use to
250 Degrees F (121 Degrees C)
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Steel Structures Painting Council Specification
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 This practice establishes the procedure for the construc-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- tion and installation of platforms to be fabricated and installed
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
by the shipyards within the cargo tanks.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Materials and Manufacture
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 Materials:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.1 Gratings—Only MIL-G-18015 Type I and Type III
gratings are to be used.
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.2 Flanged Plate Supports—Fabricated from 10 mm by
2.1 ASTM Standards: 380 mm (approximately ⁄8 in. by 15 in.) with a 75 mm
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel (approximately 3 in.) flange of carbon steel plate in accordance
with Specification A36/A36M.
2.2 Military Specification:
4.1.3 Angle Supports—75 mm by 75 mm by 10 mm (ap-
MIL-G-18015 Grating, Metal, Other than Bar Type (Ship-
proximately 3 in. by 3 in. by ⁄8 in.) structural angles of carbon
board Use)
4 steel in accordance with Specification A36/A36M.
2.3 Federal Standard:
4.1.4 Stanchions and railings—25 mm (approximately 1 in.)
FED-SPEC-RR-C-271 Chain and Attachments, Welded and
diameter carbon steel in accordance with Specification A36/
Weldless
A36M.
4.1.5 Ladder Clips are to be made in accordance with
Specification A36/A36M.
4.2 Manufacture:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and
4.2.1 Platforms shall be constructed as shown in Figs. 1-4.
Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.03 on
Outfitting and Deck Machinery.
4.2.2 The dimensions indicated in Figs. 1-4 are for the
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
commonly used sizes. However, dimensions can be modified to
in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F1385 – 07 (2018). DOI:
suit other existing structures.
10.1520/F1385-07R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ABS Plaza, 16855
the ASTM website. Northchase Dr., Houston, TX 77060, http://www.eagle.org.
3 6
Available from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA),
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