ASTM F987-04(2022)

Standard Specification for Portable Intermediate Flush Deck Stanchion

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design, construction, and installation details of two-course (Type I) and three-course (Type II) portable intermediate flush deck stanchions that are used on interior and exterior decks to provide temporary protection and minimize the danger of personnel falling overboard or to a lower level in the ship in areas where the installation of a fixed system would interfere with vessel operations. This specification does not include the requirements for the chain or wire rope lines to be supported by the stanchion. The stanchions shall be free of weld spatters, slag splinters, sharp edges, burrs, projections, and other defects hazardous to personnel, and the deck sockets shall be hammer tested for soundness and strength.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the design, construction, and installation of intermediate portable flush deck stanchions. Intermediate stanchion is defined as any stanchion that is not an end or corner stanchion.  
1.2 Stanchions shall be used on interior and exterior decks, to provide temporary protection to minimize the danger of personnel falling overboard or to a lower level in the ship in areas where the installation of a fixed system would interfere with vessel operations.  
1.3 Stanchions may be used with 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) galvanized close link chain or wire rope lifelines 9/16-in. (14-mm) top course, 7/16-in. (11-mm) lower courses.  
1.4 This specification covers only the stanchions and does not cover requirements for the chain or wire rope lines to be supported by the stanchion.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 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: 31-Dec-2021
• 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 A182/A182M-24 - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A106/A106M-19a - Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-19a - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-17 - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-14b - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM A106/A106M-14 - Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-14a - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-14 - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM A106/A106M-13 - Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-13a - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM F783-88(2013) - Standard Specification for Staple, Handgrab, Handle, and Stirrup Rung
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-13 - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-12b - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM A182/A182M-12a - Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 08-Aug-2012
• Refers: ASTM A106/A106M-11 - Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011

Overview

ASTM F987-04(2022) is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for portable intermediate flush deck stanchions. These stanchions are designed to provide temporary fall protection for personnel on both interior and exterior decks of ships, particularly in areas where a permanent system would interfere with vessel operations. The standard covers both two-course (Type I) and three-course (Type II) stanchions, outlining requirements for design, construction, and installation to ensure effective and safe fall prevention on board maritime vessels.

Key Topics

• Stanchion Types: Defines two main types:

  • Type I: Two-course stanchions
  • Type II: Three-course stanchions

• Scope & Function:

  • Provides temporary protection where permanent systems are impractical
  • Designed exclusively for intermediate locations (not end or corner stanchions)

• Construction & Materials:

  • Specifies the use of compliant carbon steel pipes and fittings
  • Components such as sockets and plugs must meet industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME)
  • Stanchion assemblies must be hot-galvanized for corrosion protection

• Safety & Quality Requirements:

  • Must be free from sharp edges, burrs, weld spatter, and other hazards
  • Deck sockets are subjected to hammer testing for strength and reliability

• Installation Guidelines:

  • Specifies alignment, spacing, and stowage procedures for stanchions and hardware
  • Details required clearances and restrictions (e.g., not for use on inclined ladders)

• Testing & Verification:

  • Outlines mechanical testing methods to ensure load capacity and structural integrity

Applications

Portable intermediate flush deck stanchions are primarily used in maritime environments for the following purposes:

• Temporary Fall Protection: Used on the exposed peripheries of decks, bridges, walkways, and platforms to help minimize the risk of personnel falling overboard or to lower levels during maintenance, operations, or emergencies.

• Flexible Safety Solutions on Ships: Ideal in locations where a fixed guardrail system would hinder movement, cargo handling, or operations.

• Interior & Exterior Use: Suitable for both internal ship spaces and outdoor decks exposed to weather conditions, ensuring comprehensive safety across various vessel areas.

By adhering to the requirements in ASTM F987-04(2022), shipowners, builders, and operators ensure that their vessels maintain adequate temporary protection systems that are durable, reliable, and compliant with international safety standards.

Related Standards

Compliance with ASTM F987-04(2022) may also involve reference to these key standards and codes:

• ASTM A106/A106M – Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
• ASTM A123/A123M – Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
• ASTM A182/A182M – Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Fittings, and Valves
• ASTM F783 – Staple, Handgrab, Handle, and Stirrup Rung
• ASME B16.11 – Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
• ASME B16.15 – Cast Copper Alloy Threaded Fittings
• ANSI/AWS D 1.1 – Structural Welding Code
• Title 46 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) – Applicable shipping regulations for stanchion installation and use

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM F987-04(2022) ensures that portable flush deck stanchions meet stringent safety and performance criteria. By referencing this standard, marine architects, shipbuilders, safety managers, and regulatory authorities can specify and inspect protective stanchion systems with confidence, reducing risks and ensuring international compliance in maritime safety equipment.

Keywords: portable intermediate flush deck stanchion, ASTM F987, ship safety standards, temporary fall protection, marine safety guardrails, stanchion installation, deck protection systems.

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:F987 −04 (Reapproved 2022) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Portable Intermediate Flush Deck Stanchion
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF987;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
A182/A182M Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and
1.1 This specification covers the design, construction, and
Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves
installation of intermediate portable flush deck stanchions.
and Parts for High-Temperature Service
Intermediatestanchionisdefinedasanystanchionthatisnotan
F783 Specification for Staple, Handgrab, Handle, and Stir-
end or corner stanchion.
rup Rung
1.2 Stanchions shall be used on interior and exterior decks, 3
2.2 ASME Standards:
to provide temporary protection to minimize the danger of
B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
personnel falling overboard or to a lower level in the ship in
B16.15 Cast Copper Alloy Threaded Fittings: Classes 125
areas where the installation of a fixed system would interfere
and 250
with vessel operations.
2.3 ANSI/AWS Standard:
1.3 Stanchions may be used with ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) galva- ANSI/AWS D 1.1 Structure Welding Code
nizedcloselinkchainorwireropelifelines ⁄16-in.(14-mm)top
2.4 Code of Federal Regulations:
course, ⁄16-in. (11-mm) lower courses.
Title 46 Shipping, Parts 70 to 89, Subpart 72.40
1.4 This specification covers only the stanchions and does
3. Classification
not cover requirements for the chain or wire rope lines to be
3.1 Portable flush deck stanchions shall be available in two
supported by the stanchion.
types:
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.1 Type I—Two-course portable flush deck stanchions
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
(see Fig. 1).
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.2 Type II—Three-course portable flush deck stanchions
and are not considered standard.
(see Fig. 2).
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4. Ordering Information
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Orders for portable flush deck stanchions under this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
specification shall include the following information:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (that is,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
F987 – 04).
4.1.2 Type.
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.3 Quantity.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.1.4 If socket plug stowage coupling is required.
A106/A106M Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe
4.2 Lifelines shall be ordered separately.
for High-Temperature Service
A123/A123M Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Materials:
5.1.1 Pipe for stanchion shall be in accordance with Speci-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
fication A106/A106M, Grade A or B, NPS 1 ⁄2, Schedule 80,
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.03 on
carbon steel.
Outfitting and Deck Machinery.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F987 – 04 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/F0987-04R22. Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.asme.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St.,
the ASTM website. NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
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F987−04 (2022)
FIG. 1 Type I—Two Course Portable Flush Deck Stanchion
FIG. 2 Type II—Three Course Portable Flush Deck Stanchion
5.1.2 Staple sha
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