This European Standard specifies the minimum ergonomic and structural integrity requirements for steps and handrails used by railway staff to access passenger vehicles, luggage vans, locomotives and power units of rolling stock. It also applies to passenger-rated car carriers. This European Standard defines the required space necessary for handling of screw couplings with side buffers, shunter handrails and shunter’s stand. For staff access, it defines footsteps, handrails and their dimensions and free spaces. To fulfil the requirements for loads which are applied by the staff, it defines dimensions and requirements for materials or design loads. It also defines the general requirements of steps and handrail for access to external equipment, for example windscreens, wipers or external lights. This European Standard does not cover on track machines (mobile railway infrastructure construction and maintenance equipment) and tram-trains.