Information

In the UK there are three categories of ladders and step ladders.

Industrial Duty (Class 1)

Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 175kg (27.5 stones). This will sometimes be referred to as ”Safe Working Load”.

Trade Duty ( EN131 Previously Class 2)

Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 150kg (23.5 stones).

Domestic Duty (Class 3)

Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 125kg (19.5 stones) Please note that the use of the term ”Duty Rating” will be used on some ladders and websites where Class 1 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 130kg and Class 3 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 95kg. British Standards published these figures many years ago and they are not an accurate guide to the Safe Working Load. The ”Maximum Static Vertical Load” is a more useful measure and gives a more accurate guide to relative strengths (As shown above).

Please note that all standards or kitemark is only a minimum standard. In the UK there are many approved and kitemarked ladders and steps which only just pass the tests. There are many others, which are built to a stronger specification than the tests require here at Ladders4Sale we have many years of experience in buying and selling ladders and all the products we supply surpass the kitemarks usually by some way. We do not compromise on the quality of our products when our customer’s safety is at risk. There are also several types of ladders which are not covered by any standard – Roof Ladders and Warehouse Steps for example. These are usually normally made of Trade or Industrial materials, but cannot be kitemarked because no BSI kitemark applies to them.

Do’s

• Inspect the ladder for defects such as missing, damaged or loose components; snags; oil, mud or other slippery materials. Make sure moving parts work properly and all connections are secure.
• Get help with a ladder that is too heavy to handle by yourself. If possible, have another person hold the ladder while you are working on it. Or use Safety accessories I- see our accessories page.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots, and make sure the soles are clean. Climb one step at a time while facing the ladder. Keep your body centred and use your hands.
• Be sure the ladder has been set up with all ladder feet on firm, level ground – or use stabling safety equipment – see accessories page for more details.
• Keep the area around the ladder clear and control traffic. For example, if the ladder is located where a door might open, lock or block the door.
• Keep your body centred on the ladder. Hold the ladder with one hand while working with the other. Never let your belt buckle pass beyond either ladder rail. Don’t over reach it’s the main cause of falls from extension ladders.

Don’ts

• Don’t climb a ladder if you are not physically or mentally up to it. Dizziness and shortness of breath can interfere with balance. Certain medications can also affect balance.
• Don’t use a ladder, particularly an aluminium ladder, around electrical wires that might be live. If the power is turned off, be sure it cannot be turned on while you are working. Alternatively use fibreglass extension ladders.
• Don’t use a ladder in strong winds.
• Don’t place a ladder on slippery or unstable surfaces, and don’t try to move or shift the ladder while you are on it. See safety accessories page for suitable products to prevent slips.
• Be careful not to overbalance when moving materials. Carefully limit the weight of materials you carry on the ladder. Have materials handed to you or haul them up with a rope. Check the ladders Maximum static Load.
• Don’t stand or sit above the highest safe standing level. This means you don’t use the top three rungs of an extension ladder or the top of a stepladder.

Ladders4Sale safety inspection information.

Working at Height Training Course – Ladders and Step Ladders

The one day course starts at approx 9.00am and finishes at approx 4.30pm. The working at height training course includes the following;

• Introductions.
• Aims and Objectives.
• Ladders and Component parts.
• Overview of legislation and regulations.
• Working at height regulations.
• Standards and Classifications.
• Planning and Organizing.
• Selecting and using.
• Assessing Risks.
• Inspections and Records.
• Storage, Handling and Maintenance.
• Theory and Practical Tests and Assessments.

All candidates must have with them on the training day 2 x passport sized photographs, their own P.P.E. (i.e. safety helmet, safety boots and protective clothing for the practical session) and National Insurance Number.

All paper, pens, audio-visual aid for the theory session and assessment paper will be provided by the instructor.

All candidates achieving a satisfactory result will be issued with a Certificate of Competence and a credit card sized photo card valid for five years.

Cost will depend on location and numbers to be trained, please call 01639 849847 or email [email protected] to enquire. Please provide details of;

• Contact name and details.
• How many employees to be trained.
• Desired training date and location.

Safety Inspections

Ladders4Sale offers on-site health and safety checks, which covers the inspection of all access equipment on your site, from Extension ladders and steps ladders to scaffold Towers and podium steps.

Each Piece of access equipment will be tagged, coded, and inspected for damage. A document is then produced for your reference with all the relevant details. If any items are found to be faulty or damaged dependent on the severity the items can either be repaired or replaced. Ladders4Sale can also provide ladder safety and pre-use checks and PASMA Scaffold Tower Training courses. All courses are offered nationwide.

Please contact us for more details on 01639 849847 or email us on: [email protected]