in fig2 the width of a climber 39 s hips ranges from 11 1 to 16 4 inches across the front and a climber 39 s buttocks range from 7 6 to 14 0 inches from front to back according to u s army mil std 1472c 1980 tools on the climber 39 s body can add to these dimensions so fitting in sideways helps minimize the climber 39 s contact with the vertical uprights 23 and 24 in fig1 if there are railings 26 as seen in fig4 along the side rails 21 and 22 a fitting 27 may be added to allow the plurality of rungs 15 to be mounted to the side rails 21 and 22 inside the walkthrough section w this fourth embodiment helps the climber c to pull himself manually onto the surface a conversely for descent the closer accessibility of the grasping rungs 15 will be helpful for maintaining confidence of gripping power as the climber c turns around to face the ladder l for descent this application is specifically directed to other uses for the horizontal grasping rungs 15 as grab bars which are contemplated for any location where a comfortable handhold is needed to support balance e g on machinery cranes platforms and the like such contemplated uses are exemplified in part by reference to.