Modern bridge design often incorporates a very steep stairwell to the bridge with the door at the bottom, leaving an open stairwell on the bridge. This is a bad design creating a high risk area. At night on the blackened bridge, or when the ship is rolling in heavy weather, this open stairwell could lead to a nasty fall.

It has been seen on some vessels that a wooden bar has been fitted to prevent someone falling down the stairwell but the inspectors were particularly keen when they saw the spring loaded gate fitted on this entered ship.

Although not restricted to the bridge stairwell, the Personal Injury claims department can report on ships' crew falling down stairwells. With the bridge being blackened at night, this can be considered a high risk area and a self closing gate a good preventative measure.

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