Your Guide to the safe use of ladders and steps

Knowledge and training – it may seem obvious but there is a basic level of skill and knowledge that the Health and Safety Executive or a Local Authority Inspector would expect people in your workplace to have. Meet this level of training and provide the right equipment and you can rest assured that you have fulfilled your obligation as to the welfare and safety of your staff.

What’s involved in the job – think ahead to what will have to be done at every stage. If there is a need to move around whilst up a ladder or carry lots of materials or heavy equipment, a ladder may not be suitable and could be unsafe. A mobile tower or scaffolding may be a better option. Remember you must always be able to extend a ladder by at least 1.1m above any step-off height.

Explore all options – for safety and ease of use, standard ladders may not be the best solution.
Other options include:


Multi-purpose ladders are hinged ladders which can be used to stand off perpendicular from surfaces, as a lower level step or as a work platform.


Work platforms and towers provide a larger working area and enable the use of heavier equipment.


Mobile safety steps provide a large platform with the safety of barrier rails for use in warehouses and stores.


Loft ladders are permanently fixed inside the loft to allow access.

 

Steps Standards

Type of Step British std British class Rated Max static load
Aluminium EN 131 Class 1 130kg 175kg
Wood EN 131 Class 1 130kg 175kg
Wood EN 131 Class 2 115kg 150kg
Step stools EN 14183 - 130kg 175kg
Step stools EN 14183 - 150KG 175kg
Warehouse steps EN 131 Part 7 - 150kg
         

 

Ladder Standards

Duty rating British std. British class Rated Max.static load
Heavy industial EN 131 Class 1 130kg 175kg
Light trade EN 131 Class 2 115kg 150kg
Domestic EN 131 Class 3 95kg 125kg

 

Loft Ladder Standards

Duty rating British std. British class Rated Max.static load
Occasional use EN 14975 Class 2 115kg 150kg
Heavy use EN 131 Class 3 95kg 125kg

 

Only use a ladder where

  1. The ladder can be used as a hand hold and the operator’s navel can be kept within the stiles.
  2. The work can be carried out face on and not side loading.
  3. Nothing heavier than 10kg is to be carried up a ladder.
  4. The ladder is stood flat on level ground (which can be achieved through the use of a levelling device).
  5. The top 3 rungs of the ladder are not to be used for standing on unless there is a suitable handrail. 
  6. A working angle of 75 degrees can be achieved. A ladder stopper can give additional security on level ground.
  7.  It can be tied if being used to transfer to another level. The top of the ladder is at least 1.1 meter above the step-off point.
  8. The ladder is the correct height for the job. the average person will work most comfortably at shoulder level which is about five feet from where they stand.

View our full range of ladders & steps.