All ladders should meet the required British or European standards.
Is it strong enough?
New ladders are generally marked according to their safe working
load. This classification however, can vary slightly in the values
given, and has caused confusion. The variation is due to the
different way in which the values for safe working loads are
expressed. In the British Standard it is "Duty rating" and
have been arrived at by taking into account the general conditions
and probably frequency of use for each type. The European Standard
uses "Maximum static vertical load". To help clarify this, we have
given both sets of figures. British Standard ladders to either
BS 2037 (Aluminium) or BS 1129 (Wood).
Class 1
(Industrial) Duty rating 130kg (20 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 175kg.
Class 3
(Domestic) Duty rating 95kg (15 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 125kg.
European Standard ladders to BS/EN 131 (All types).
(Previous Class 2)
Duty rating 115kg (18stone) = Maximum vertical static load 150kg.
Is it long enough?
The overall length of a ladder is not the same as its usable length:
allow one metre of ladder length above the highest rung you use.
Never stand on the top three rungs.
Is it safe enough?
Run this quick check on any ladder you are thinking of buying, hiring or using.
General condition sound (clean & dry, free from wet paint, oil, mud etc)
No cracks
No rungs missing or loose
Not painted Ladders should never be painted, as this could hide
dangerous defects from view. A wooden ladder can be protected with clear
varnish or transparent rot-proofer.
No stiles damaged or bent Stiles are the outside uprights on a ladder.
No warping or splitting (wood)
No corrosion (metal)
No sharp edges or dents (metal)
No rungs bent (metal)
Footpads OK
Caps/rubber fittings OK
All metal ladders should have slip-resistant rubber or plastic feet.
Damaged ladders need professional repairing - or replacing.
