There are a lot of variations on the arrangements, so we may have different images of the conditions. I noted above my recommendations for the
arbor side but on the
stage side, I like a fairly tall guard with infill. Note that my loading bridges are also wide - never less the 5' and often in the 7' range (so a spiral stair can come up between the main beams - 5'-6 for stair and two beams probably with 8" flanges - so that's 6'10. I say tall because I assume it's designed for a
foot of stored counterweights and people will walk on them. If 42" is required, than this should be 54" minimum - 42" above the
counterweight walking surface. The first
foot should be really solid to prevent weights from sliding off, and I like ex mesh or chain link above that to the 54"
rail so if a
batten crashes and the weights spray out, they be caught.
The decks - like the decks of the catwalks - are painted bright yellow. They are smooth and solid - no bar grate and no check plate - both tough to kneel on and too many things to fall through grate. Sometimes they are plywood. My favorite is 3" t&g fir decking. Most often smooth steel plate. More and more think about carpet. (Just finishing a
theatre with all the catwalks carpeted - really pleasant!)
