When must you install a ladder? (Your legal obligations)
According to legal acts that came into force in July and November 2025, clear evacuation shafts are a key safety element.
1. Adaptation of Basements and Garages (MDS)
For Temporary Shelter Places (MDS) in existing buildings (e.g., apartment blocks), if an emergency shaft is used for exit, the law requires its permanent equipment.
Legal basis: § 6 sec. 5 point 2 lit. a of the MSWiA Regulation (Journal of Laws item 932) mandates that the shaft must have “a ladder or rungs, permanently fixed to the shaft structure”.
2. New Shelters and Hiding Places (up to 300 people)
For new developments, regulations allow for the omission of a staircase in favor of a ladder in the emergency exit shaft for areas with a capacity of up to 300 people.
Legal basis: § 22 sec. 5 of the MSWiA Regulation (Journal of Laws item 1548) permits an emergency exit shaft equipped with “a ladder or rungs”.
Certified ladders for shelters and hiding places
We ensure safe and compliant access to evacuation exits. Our ladders are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation on Technical Conditions for Protective Structures. We offer a wide range of standard products and custom solutions.
New civil defense regulations impose an obligation on administrators and investors to ensure safe evacuation exits from protective facilities. We offer certified, system ladders for shelters that meet the stringent requirements of the Regulation on Temporary Shelter Places (MDS) and Technical Conditions for Protective Structures.
Why Choose Crynoline® System Ladders?
By choosing the Crynoline® system, you gain an advantage over installing individual rungs:
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Instant installation: A ready, integrated element instead of drilling dozens of holes for rungs. -
Certainty of technical acceptance: We meet the definition of “permanent fixing” and provide documentation. -
Evacuation safety: Solid side rails (stiles) ensure a secure hand grip. -
Moisture resistance: Aluminum and galvanized steel do not rust in damp shafts.
Crynoline® Offer – Technical Specification
According to the new regulation (§ 22 sec. 5 point 1), the minimum clear width of the shaft is 0.9 m. Our ladders fit perfectly into this space.
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Application: MDS emergency shafts and Shelters (S/U). -
Dimensions: Compact design that does not restrict the shaft’s clear opening. -
Material: Aluminum, Galvanized steel, Stainless steel (304/316). -
Rungs: Grooved, anti-slip.
Documentation for acceptance:
Each product includes a Declaration of Conformity, a Catalog and Design Card, and installation and use instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the ladder meet the requirements for the main entrance to a small shelter?
Yes. For small, private shelters (up to 35 m² and 10 people), regulations (§ 15 sec. 8 point 1) permit entrance via a shaft with a ladder.
What about rungs (manhole steps)?
They are permissible, but their installation is time-consuming and costly (each step separately). A system ladder is a single element, offering faster installation and higher safety.
