This specification covers the materials, dimensions, and assembly of steel and aluminum rat guards intended to prevent rats from boarding ships by way of mooring lines. Rat guards shall be classified into three types, namely: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Type I rat guards shall be made of the prescribed aluminum-alloy sheet metal; Type II rat guards shall be made of the prescribed galvanized sheet steel; and Type III rat guards shall be made of either of these specified materials. Types I and II rat guards shall be provided with the following: hinge bolt, guide and tie rope, and grommet. Type III rat guards shall consist of two half disks and two half tapered sleeves and the hinge bolt provided with each rat guard shall consist of a commercial hexagon head bolt, nut, and washer, all made of corrosion resistant steel. The dimensional requirements such as thickness of disk, sleeve, and guide for galvanized steel or aluminum sleeve of Type III rat guard are specified. Type I and Type II rat guard configurations and Type III rat guard assembly are detailed and illustrated.

1.1 This specification covers the materials, dimensions, and assembly of steel and aluminum rat guards.

1.2 Rat guards are intended to prevent rats from boarding ships by way of mooring lines.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.