The European Vossloh locomotives have nose steps
Euro 4000: http://www.bahnbilder.de/1024/diese-vossloh-euro-4000-franz-483032.jpg
Eurolight: http://www.mainlinediesels.net/index.php?nav=1000090&lang=en&file=vl_2603_61&action=image
Class 68: http://www.greatbritishrailworks.co.uk/class68crg derivative of Eurolight.
I don’t know if all got these steps.
Here is a photo of a DB class 120, a high-speed (125 mph) Intercity (IC) locomotive: http://www.bahnbilder.de/bilder/db-br-120-121-9-brachte-7033.jpg
Or class 101 (137 mph): https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Baureihe_101_092-5.jpg
Looks like a kind of European standard, but I’m not sure as there are pure passenger train locomotives without. Both BR classes were designed as all-purpose locomotives for fast Intercity passenger and fast freight trains (100 mph).
Regards,Volker
Correction: the front steps on the linked European locomotives are not for travelling on the locomotive. They are required by the employer’s liability insurance association for safe access to the windshields for cleaning purposes.