ESD Solutions provided complete steel detailing services for a complex industrial steel structure, featuring multi-level platforms, caged ladders, guardrails, and structural framing. Designed for a processing facility, the structure supports heavy equipment and enables safe personnel movement across various levels.
While the main structural steel detailing was completed in just a few weeks thanks to detailed design drawings, the detailing and approval of caged ladders, rest platforms, and high guardrails took significantly longer—highlighting a common but critical issue in industrial construction projects.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was not the steel frame itself—but the so-called “secondary steel” components.
Our team faced over two months of delays specifically due to:
- OSHA and IBC compliance requirements for caged ladders and intermediate platforms
- Height and clearance adjustments for safe access
- Conflicting review comments during submittals
- Lack of early design coordination for access and safety steel components
This industrial steel structure project clearly demonstrated how access-related components, such as steel ladders, rest platforms, and guardrail systems, can become a bottleneck if not addressed early in the detailing workflow.
Our Expertise
To minimize impact on the overall project schedule, our detailing team adopted a two-phase approach:
Phase 1 – Structural Framing First:
We prioritized the modeling and shop drawings of the main steel structure, ensuring fabrication could proceed without delays.
Phase 2 – Access Systems Coordination:
While the frame moved forward, we tackled the caged ladders, safety platforms, and handrails, coordinating with the fabricator, engineer of record, and safety compliance reviewers to resolve every detail.
Throughout the process, we used our internal quality control checklist, which includes:
- OSHA and IBC compliance points
- Ladder cage spacing and platform break requirements
- Custom guardrail post spacing and attachment detailing
- Clearance checks for rest platforms and transitions
We also documented every revision cycle for tracking and transparency, reducing review cycle time on future submittals.
The Result
Despite the initial delay, all components—including ladders, guardrails, and platforms—were approved without field fixes. The structure was fabricated and installed smoothly, meeting both structural and safety requirements.
This project is now part of our growing portfolio of industrial steel detailing success stories, demonstrating our ability to manage both large-scale framing and complex access system requirements.
Looking for Industrial Steel Detailing That Meets Every Standard?
At ESD Solutions, we specialize in accurate, code-compliant steel detailing services for industrial facilities, platforms, ladders, stairs, and structural frames. We understand how small components can impact the entire timeline—and we know how to keep your project moving.
Contact us today to discuss your project or explore our portfolio from our team.
