Ladder Rungs Guide: Types & Best Practices

November 19, 2024 | Nate Cord

Ladder rungs are an essential ladder feature, providing a stable surface for a safe ascent and descent. This guide will walk you through the main types of ladder rungs, the latest UK regulations on spacing and width, and best rung practices to ensure you remain safe when working at height.

What Are Ladder Rungs?

Ladder rungs are the horizontal steps on a ladder, designed to support a person’s weight as they climb, stand on, and ascend the ladder. Rungs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the ladder type and its intended purpose.

Types of Ladder Rungs

There are three main types of ladder rungs: square, d-shaped and round.

Square Rungs

Square rungs have four flat sides. This is the most common type of rung. However, it is often considered the most uncomfortable, in particular if the user is standing on it for an extended period. However, what it lacks in comfort, it makes up for in sturdiness and slip resistance.

D-Shaped Rungs

As their name suggests, D-shaped rungs are rounded on the underside and flat on top, similar to the letter D. Their less angular design makes them both safe and more comfortable to use than square rungs.

Round Rungs

Round rungs are fully circular and offer the same level of grip at all angles because there is no one specific part of the rung that you need to stand on. However, round rungs are not considered as slip-resistant or comfortable as D-shaped rungs and are less common.

These three types of ladder rungs are manufactured using aluminium, stainless steel, wood or fibreglass. Aluminium is as robust as stainless steel but is much lighter. Wood is even lighter than metal, however, its load-bearing capacity is much lower, and wood ladders tend to last for less time than metal ladders (depending on how they are stored). Fibreglass ladders are designed to be up to 30,000 volts resistant, which makes them ideal for electricians.

How Far Apart Should Ladder Rungs Be?

In the UK, ladder rungs should be evenly spaced for ease of use. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a spacing of around 250-300 mm (10-12 inches) between rungs, in compliance with the EN131 standards introduced in 2018.

The EN131 standards also state there must be a difference of no more than 2mm in the distances between the rungs on a given ladder. After all, it would be very awkward—and therefore unsafe—to climb a ladder that has inconsistent gaps.

How Wide Are Ladder Rungs?

The width of ladder rungs typically ranges between 20-50 mm, although wider rungs are often found on ladders designed for prolonged use for comfort.

Which Rung of a Ladder Should Not Be Used?

The top three rungs on a ladder should not be used to maintain structural integrity and prevent falls or tipping.

How Many Rungs Should Be Left at the Top of the Ladder?

In addition to the fact that the top three rungs should not be used, you should ensure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working, in particular, if the ladder extends beyond 3 metres.

For ladders shorter than 3 metres, a 2-rung overlap might suffice, though it’s essential to consult the ladder’s specific manual to conform to official requirements.

Is It Legal to Use a Ladder with a Missing Rung?

Using a ladder with a missing rung is not just unsafe, but also illegal under UK safety regulations. The Work at Height Regulations (2005) mandates that employers and those in control of any work-at-height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height.

Thus, ladders used in workplaces must be in good condition and free of structural defects that could compromise safety, including missing rungs.

A ladder should be inspected before each use, and a detailed inspection should be carried out every three to six months by a competent person trained in ladder inspection. In these inspections, you should make sure that the rungs are secure, not missing or worn, and free from cracks, dents or bends.

If you spot any of the above defects or have any doubts about the ladder, then do not use it; it should be repaired by a qualified person or replaced.

The Work At Height Regulations also state that you should not try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the rungs.
If you require additional advice or have a question for our team on ladder rungs, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at 01639 849847.

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