Ladders
Guide to different ladders
In the UK, ladders and step ladders are manufactured in three grades or classifications according to their strength and durability. All three grades fall within the scope of BS 2037, the British standard for aluminium ladders, and bear the Kitemark. They are produced and classified according to the type of work they will be used for.
Not every job can be done with just a ladder - or by yourself. So always check.
Are you up to the job?
If you're not completely certain that
you can manage everything
involved in doing the job properly,
get professional help.
Is the ladder correct for the task at hand?
If you need to move around while you're up there, or carry lots of materials, or use heavy equipment, a ladder may not be sufficient. You might be better off using a mobile tower or scaffolding. You must always be able to extend the ladder by at least 1.1m above any step-off height.
All ladders should meet the
required British or European
standards.
In the UK, ladders and step ladders are manufactured in three grades or classifications according to their strength and durability. They are produced and classified according to the type of work they will be used for.
Class 1 - Industrial
Heavy duty, high frequency use and onerous conditions of use, carriage and storage. The maximum weight of user and tools i.e. the duty rating, is 130kg, that's around 20st 6lbs.
BS/EN 131 (previously Class 2) - Light Trades
Low frequency use and less onerous conditions of use, carriage and storage. The duty rating being 115kg, that's 18st.
Class 3 - Domestic
Occasional, light use only with a maximum duty rating of 95kg which is just 14st 13lbs.
Work the Safe Way
- Right height for the job -
no overreaching
- Good grip
- Correct Flat shoes
- Clean rungs
- Ladder in good condition
- Two non-slip feet in good condition
- Ladder at correct angle (65-75 degrees)
- Firm and level base
