Guidelines for the Storage of Ladders
Haydox Timber Pole Ladders are carefully inspected for quality prior to their despatch. Ladders are placed on skids on a level floor and are placed 1 ft. from each end of the ladder. One additional skid (more skids should be used depending on length of the ladder) can be placed in the middle of the lift. For example a 3m ladder would typically have three skids. All skids are of the same thickness which offers consistency of height.
Stacks of ladders should not exceed 10 in number. Where possible, stacks of the same length should be stored in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight, preferably in a well- ventilated area. Ladders of different sizes can be stored in the same stack, however, the longest ladder should be at the bottom of the stack, i.e. 10 mtr at the bottom, 3 mtr at the top. Ideally each ladder will be individually skidded.
Effects of changing weather conditions on ladders.
The logs which are used to manufacture Haydox Timber Pole Ladders are selected for straightness in the forest and typically have a moisture content of approximately 40% when felled. Bearing in mind that the atmospheric moisture content is 19% (and even lower in the summer months), every log or ladder will lose moisture. If there is a particular spell of warm weather (where ladders can be exposed to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight) the rate of evaporation can cause a ladder to twist. When a ladder starts to move, the only thing that will prevent it twisting any further is an application of moisture, i.e. hosing/spraying. Generally, if a ladder is going to twist, it will twist within the first three days from despatch.
Storing ladders using these guidelines will help to prevent movement however, as timber is a natural product, it is very difficult to completely eliminate this problem.
Splits.
Splits are caused when timber dries out and cracks appear on the stiles of the ladder. Splits are allowed under the British Standard BS1129 to a certain tolerance, i.e. a straight split less than 9mm is acceptable under BS1129:1990.
For further details on the specification of the Haydox Timber Pole Ladder or BS1129:1990, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Stacks of ladders should not exceed 10 in number. Where possible, stacks of the same length should be stored in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight, preferably in a well- ventilated area. Ladders of different sizes can be stored in the same stack, however, the longest ladder should be at the bottom of the stack, i.e. 10 mtr at the bottom, 3 mtr at the top. Ideally each ladder will be individually skidded.
Effects of changing weather conditions on ladders.
The logs which are used to manufacture Haydox Timber Pole Ladders are selected for straightness in the forest and typically have a moisture content of approximately 40% when felled. Bearing in mind that the atmospheric moisture content is 19% (and even lower in the summer months), every log or ladder will lose moisture. If there is a particular spell of warm weather (where ladders can be exposed to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight) the rate of evaporation can cause a ladder to twist. When a ladder starts to move, the only thing that will prevent it twisting any further is an application of moisture, i.e. hosing/spraying. Generally, if a ladder is going to twist, it will twist within the first three days from despatch.
Storing ladders using these guidelines will help to prevent movement however, as timber is a natural product, it is very difficult to completely eliminate this problem.
Splits.
Splits are caused when timber dries out and cracks appear on the stiles of the ladder. Splits are allowed under the British Standard BS1129 to a certain tolerance, i.e. a straight split less than 9mm is acceptable under BS1129:1990.
For further details on the specification of the Haydox Timber Pole Ladder or BS1129:1990, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.