Choosing your ladder

Work at hight regulations emphasise the importance of the correct selection and safe use of ladders to avoid the risks associated with work at height.

If you supply, or are going to use ladders or steps on site, HSE will expect you to be properly trained in the planning of the job, selection of the correct equipment and is safe use and maintenance. 

Always choose the correct size and type of ladder or stepladder for the task. As well as different types of ladders and stepladders (aluminium, wood, fibreglass etc.) which all have their individual properties, making them suitable for some jobs but not others, there are three main classifications into which they are grouped according to their safe working loads.

Make sure you select a ladder/steps which is the correct size for the job. Remember that the length of the ladder shown on the label may not be the hight that the ladder will reach. You must allow for the working angle, and remember to allow at least one meter to ladder to extend beyond the highest rung you wish to use. As a general rule, you maximum working hight should be approximately 1.75 above the highest rung you are going to use.

BS2037 / 1129 Class 1
175kgs (27.5 Stone)
For heavy duty, where relatively high frequency and onerous conditions of use occur.
Suitable for INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS.
​Duty Rating 130kg.

BSEN131
150kgs (23.5 Stone)
For medium duty, where relatively low frequency and reasonably good conditions of use occur.
Suitable for LIGHT TRADE APPLICATIONS.
​Duty Rating 115kg.

BS2037 / 1129 Class 3
125kgs (19.5 Stone)
For domestic applications only.
Not suitable for INDUSTRIAL OR TRADE APPLICATIONS.
​Duty Rating 95kg.