fibre glass ladders

[ed'deballard]

EN 131 states that the steps have a maximum vertical load of 150kg (18 stone)but not specifiic to fibre glass steps,no help at all really. My concern is that when fibre glass steps are carried or stored on the top of vehicles when traveling to different sites, is the glass fibre affected by strong sunlight or temperature changes as with garden furniture. An electrician on one construction site that I working on found that the material had become brittal and cracked so they were scrapped, I hav'nt seen any any warnings or other information regarding this problem but it would be interesting to find out.

 

[TexMex]

The only experience I have with GRP is in boat construction. The resin is, indeed very brittle. Gelcoat (the smooth layer) can be subject to discoulouration under the effects of UV, but as far as I know there is no degredation of the resin.

Brittleness is usually due to delamination. The resin relies on the glass fibres to give it flexibility. When it delaminates, the coats of resin become detached. Without the reinforcement of the fibres, the resin reverts to kind. ie becomes brittle.

The only causes for delamination I know of are Osmosis (experienced on boat hulls). Poor moulding technique (and/or environment) and the Last but most probable in your case, overstressing the matterial.

Did your sparky mate, by any chance, have a pot belly and a tendancy to carry heavy kit up his ladder on a regular basis?