Types of ladders

[edit] Introducing the ladder

A ladder is a piece of equipment, essentially made with a series of bars or steps fixed intermittently on the horizontal plain between two upright vertical supports. They are normally made from of wood, metal, or composite materials, they are a often features of construction sites but also in many homes and can often be folded or packed away when not in use or fixed in place.

Other variations include rope ladders, or hanging ladders which work on the same principle though with horizontals fixed between two vertically hanging supports (as opposed to supported from the ground upwards or fixed at the sides).

There are many different types of ladders available, made for specific weights, from specific materials and designed for specific situations, tasks and environments, consideration should be taken in selecting the right ladder for the environment and the task at hand.

[edit] Ladder ratings

Ladders were initially classified by what is called duty ratings, in the UK prior to 2018 these were class III (to BS2037) and suitable for home use only, class II (to BSEN131), suitable for light trade use and class I (to BS203) which is suitable for heavy industrial use. After 2018 the EN131 ladder regulation update certified ladders into two classifications; professional and non-professional, effectively covering the previous class II.

However a number of British Standards relating directly to particular ladder types may still be relevant; including BS 1129:1990 applying to timber ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight stagings; BS 2037:1994 which applies to metal and aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight stagings, plus EN 131, the updated European which applies to all timber, aluminium, steel and composite ladders and steps. These standards detail factors such as dimensions, markings and testing requirements for deflection, torsion, rigidity, straightness, loading and performance.

In the UK and Europe any ladder used should be tested and certified accordingly, as such they should also be relevantly marked, either on the feet, the steps or side labelling. Blue represents class I and labelled as heavy industrial and up to 175 kg, green (or yellow) class EN131 (the old class II) labelled as commercial and up to 150kg and grey for Class III, which is only for domestic uses up to 125kg.

In the US type III, II and I increase also from light duty (200 pounds) to heavy duty (250 pounds), though type I has a further two categories type IA extra heavy duty up to 300 pounds and type IAA up to 375 pounds (or 170 kgs so approximately equivalent to UK class I).

[edit] Choosing the right ladder

Material selection will often be based on preference, durability and practicality in terms of being able to lift and move the ladder, but also the task at hand. For example metal or aluminium ladders are generally not recommended for electrical work because metal is conductive and increases the risk if shock in the case of accidents near electrical currents.

The required length of a ladder to carry out the task or tasks at hand is often a key part of the selection process and may in some cases dictate the materials of the ladder and the design. Other functions such as platforms, adjustable lengths allow for working at height over longer periods or pitching ladders on uneven surfaces such as stairs.

[edit] Types of ladder

[edit] Articulated ladder

Articulated ladders have a number of pairs of locking hinges midway through the upright supports, this allows them to be locked and fixed into a variety of positions and able to be configured as a standard step ladder, smaller trestle or larger platform and so on. The design also allows these types of ladders to be pack away in shorter lengths than other models. They are normally made from aluminium metal or composite material.

[edit] Combination ladder

Combination ladders are also a flexible design that allows the ladder to be configured as an extension ladder leaning on a wall with a long single run or locked into an A frame for use as a free standing ladder , and in sime cases also as a trestle or platform. They differ from articulated ladder in that the vertical uprights are single pieces and not jointed.

[edit] Extension ladder

Extension ladders are adjustable in height but normally only used a lean to ladders, so not self standing unlike a combination ladder. Extension ladders are quite of metallic but can also be made in timber.

[edit] Extension trestle ladder

Extension Trestle Ladders are more complex and comprehensive than many options, they are made up of two combination ladders in the free standing position, with an extension at each side. A last single span ladder is then laid between these free standing elements to create a platform, usually large enough for one or two workers. These kinds of ladders are useful for decoration and external rendering works where working at height for long periods is required.

[edit] Fixed ladder

Fixed ladders are permanently attached to structures, at the sides of the uprights, are commonly found on industrial equipment and buildings to access rooftops for example. As they are often permanent fixtures they are likely to be required to adhere to safety guidelines, some times with fall protection on the outer edges, as well as secure access from below. These types of ladders may be installed for maintenance purposes or fire safety and as such may need to adhere to difference guidelines. Fixed ladders might also be found as temporary installations such as on building sites to access scaffold towers and likely to fall under site safety requirements.

[edit] Job-made wooden ladders

Job-made wooden ladders vary in their design and use, they are essentially often fixed ladders that are temporrily constructed to serve a particular purpose on a building site or long term renovation project. Rudementary, often not formally acceptable in terms on inspected safety equipmet but functional for smaller site and lower demands.

[edit] Mobile ladder

Mobile ladders are likely to come in a variety of designs, sizes, material and for a variety of uses. They are usually lower level ladders, with a squared frame, including a handrail and a mechanism to allow easy movement arond a space. Examples of mobile ladders historically might be found in libraries, or more recently in warehouses and packing stores.

[edit] Platform ladder

Platform ladders come in a variety of designs including articulated ladders, combination ladders and extension laddesr but essentially they all have a stable platform at the top, often adjustable in height but creating a stable raised workspace.

[edit] Step stool ladder

Step stool or step up ladders are the smallest ladder type, normally with only 2 to 4 steps allowing a small increase in height, either foldable of a fixed mobile and practical piece of furniture.

[edit] Step ladder

Possibly the most common type of ladder these usually fold in half and have brackets or ropes to prevent spreading when open, they are a basic self-supporting A-frame design used for a variety of tasks, made of wood, metal or composite material.

[edit] Rolling ladder

Rolling ladders are usually fixed frame structures, they maybe made of metal with supports, handrails and wheels used in for example stage work or for access to shelving in large industrial warehouses. The term rolling ladder or sliding ladder may also be used to describe ladders fixed to a rolling or sliding mechanism for example on a wall or shelving system. These ladders are mobile only in two directions rolling or sliding along a shelving system, they maybe found as part of a warehouse shelving system, or traditionally constructed of timber and installed in libraries.

[edit] Trestle Ladder

A trestle ladder is a self supporting ladder, adjustable in length, and consisting of a trestle ladder at the base, similar to standard step ladder, with a vertically adjustable extension, similar to an extension ladder. The different elements can be adjusted according to needs and locked in position.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• CDM co-ordinator.
• Construction tools.
• Equipment in buildings.
• Employer's requirements for building design and construction.
• Firefighting lift.
• Health and safety for building design and construction.
• How to use a ladder.
• How to use ladders safely in different environments
• Ladder.
• Lifting device.
• Lifting platform.
• Lifting sling.
• Lifts for buildings.
• Pallet jack.
• Scaffolding.
• Stairs.
• Trade.
• Winch.
• Work at height regulations.