Ladder safety is predicated upon finding the right ladder for the intended purpose. Knowing the classifications, weight load ratings and construction guidelines that apply to the different classes of ladders will help you purchase the correct ladder for safe use.

Ladders and steps may be made of metal or timber. Different standards apply to each. Let us first examine metal ladders and steps.

Industrial Ladders – Class 1

For the heavy, frequent user, choose a ladder coded as Class 1 Industrial Duty. This ladder will conform to BS2037 and will sustain a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 175kg or 27.5 stones. The best guide for accurate Safe Working Load is the Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating.

The frequent and heavy user applies to work wherein the user will be hauling heavy loads or tools up and down the ladder several times during the course of the work assignment. Furthermore, this kind of constant use happens as a matter of course, every day. A roofer or tile repair man would like fall into the Class 1 Industrial Duty classification.

Trade Duty Ladders – Class 2

For the moderate user, a Class 2 Trade Duty ladder would be appropriate. This ladder will conform to the new continental standard BS EN131 which is applicable across Europe. The Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating for this ladder is 150kg or 23.5 stones.

An example of a moderate user is someone who climbs the ladder during the course of his work but not as frequently as the roofer. A painter, for example may spend part of his day on a ladder, but part of his day will be spent painting at lower levels. A window repairman might have to replace second story windows now and then, but much of his work may well be at ground level. This class is for tradesmen who often use ladders, but not constantly.

Domestic Ladders – Class 3

Class 3 is for Domestic Duty and conforms to BS2037 with a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 125kg or 19.5 stones. This is for the home user who may infrequently need a ladder to change a light bulb or paint a room. It is essential that users are aware that Domestic Duty ladders are made for infrequent, light use and are not to be used in the pursuit of trade or industrial applications. These ladders made collapse or tip over under the heavier usages. Their components are not designed to withstand constant hauling of heavy loads and will quickly wear out or fail altogether.

There may be serious legal and/or insurance consequences when domestic ladders are used in trade or industrial applications. Some unscrupulous persons may believe that they are saving money by using a ladder that is not rated for the task. However, inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive may levy fines upon those who are caught. If a personal injury claim is filed involving such misuse of a ladder, the insurance department may be well within its rights to deny the claim.

Timber Ladders

Timber ladders are less common these days as they are viewed as less durable. Class 1 Industrial Duty conforms to BS1129 and has a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 175kg or 27.5 stones. Class 2 Trade Duty conforms to BS EN131 and has a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 150kg or 23.5 stones. The application for timber ladders are the same as for the Class 1 and Class 2 metal ladders above.

Loft Ladders

Another type of ladder is the loft ladder. This type of ladder is typically used inside of a structure to gain access to the loft through an entryway located in the ceiling. BS7553 Class H is designed for heavy use and has a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 150kg or 23.5 stones. Bs7553 Class G is designed for general use and has a Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating of 100kg or 15.75 stones.

The Kitemark

The Kitemark is the symbol adopted by the British Standards Institute in 1903. It is a widely accepted mark that lets the user know that the ladder has been constructed in a manner complying with the highest British standards for safety and durability. Those products receiving the BSI Kitemark are subjected to extensive testing to prove their worth. It is an expensive process, but well worth the cost as products bearing the mark brings the prestige and respect that comes with it.

Selecting the proper ladder for the job requires knowledge of the applicable regulations, ladder ratings and classes and how they all fit together. The ultimate goal is to select a ladder that will provide safety and stability during the course of work.

Around the globe, falls from heights are often attributed to ladders. Furthermore, ladders account for more than twenty-five percent of all falls. Tragically, serious injury or death is often the consequence.  These tragedies can be averted by knowing the regulations and selecting the correct ladder for the intended job.

The Three Points of Contact Rule

The most important ladder safety rule is perhaps the Three Points of Contact Rule. When standing on a ladder, the user should maintain contact with one hand and both feet, thus the three points of contact.

There are a number of causes that result in ladder falls.  The first and most frequently seen is over-reaching of by the user. Leaning or reaching away from the ladder's centre of gravity will eventually cause the ladder to tip over.

The way to avert this kind of fall is to maintain your centre of gravity parallel to that of the ladder. Keeping your body and weight centred will prevent the ladder from tipping over. Applying the Three Points of Contact Rule will ensure that your body weight has not transposed from the ladder's centre of gravity.

Reducing Ladder Slips

The second most common cause of ladder falls is slipping off the ladder. Several factors might be involved in a slip. To avert the slip fall, ensure that all ladder rungs are clean, dry and in usable condition. Users should wear shoes when working on a ladder, preferably shoes with non-slip soles. Ensure that the shoe soles are also clean and free of anything that might encourage a slip. Do not climb a ladder if you are not physically fit to work in that environment. Before climbing, be sure that the ladder is stable and all the rungs are parallel to the ground.  Maintain the Three Points of Contact.

Avoid the Wobble

Ladder wobble holds the number 3 place in ladder fall reasons. To avert this problem, ensure that the ladder is set up properly on a flat, dry surface and is stable. Setting a ladder in wet or muddy conditions could cause the ladder to wobble. Check the feet of the ladder every time you use it, before you climb. If the feet are twisted or worn, it would be advisable to stay off the ladder until repairs can be made. When using an extension ladder, ensure that it is properly hooked and/or clamped to the wall or surface it is leaning against. Remember that the surface the top of the ladder makes contact with must be stable. If the top end of the ladder is resting against a crumbling wall, the weight of the user could cause the wall to crumble further, and the result could well be sufficient ladder wobble to throw the user to the ground.

Ladder Failure

The fourth cause is ladder failure. This is where the Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating and Class designations come into play. If you are overloading the ladder it could break. Carrying up to heavy a load that, when combined with use body weight, exceeds the Maximum Vertical Static Load Rating for the ladder could cause the ladder to bend, break or otherwise fail.

Another point to remember on ladder failure is that the user should carefully check the ladder each day, before making any climbs. However, additional checks will be in order if during the normal course of work the ladder has been dropped or moved from one type of surface to another. Moving the ladder from a wet surface to a dry surface could cause the ladder feet to become less stable. Also, if the rungs have been compromised by moisture, ensure that they are cleaned and dried before making additional climbs.

Be sure that the stiles are not bent or damaged as this could result in the latter buckling or collapsing.  Check step ladder locking bars for any damage as they may fail and collapse the ladder. Do not overlook even the slightest damage because it could cost you dearly.

More Information

For those wanting more information please be sure to check out the informative web site established by the Health and Safety Executive. The site provides a plethora of information pertaining to ladder safety, ladder inspection, the 2005 Work at Height Regulation and a helpful guide for understanding that law.

The site also provides a number of photos and graphics that help the user understand the pitfalls to watch out for so that every climb will be a safe one. There are several PDF files available for download and printing that address issues such as the HSE guide to safe use of ladders and step ladders, a handy pocket card, and work risks and safety issues.

Use common sense and follow the safety rules. Don't let a fall shatter your life!

We start off our tour of the scariest ladder bridges in the world with this treacherous looking contraption from Everest - Camp 1. Not only does it look a pretty sizeable drop but the multitude of dangling ropes only increases the ladders scare factor. The best way to climb across this would definitely be the belly shuffle – not sure if that is a technical term but I certainly would not be crossing it standing up. Having just looked up the technical term I can confirm it is not the belly shuffle and is in fact the commando crawl.

The best way to properly use the commando crawl is to lay on top of the rope with one leg bent, foot hooked on the rope and as close to your bottom as possible.  The other leg dangles to help maintain your balance. You move across the rope using the hooked foot and your arms to drag you across. While it is harder to maintain your balance with this technique, it is a lot easier to stop and rest your muscles should they become fatigued.

The next example is a rope bridge from Peru. We are led to believe that this is constructed from tightly braided grass rope – A worrying thought in itself! But beneath this dilapidated home-made grass rope construction is sharp jagged rocks over 100 ft down. Having looked into this there is no way of telling if this bridge is still in use - we hope not!

Having thought about the best way to cross this bridge the only advice we came up with was – CAREFULLY! If it absolutely has to be crossed then using a harness and attaching to the rope will at least prevent falling off the bridge. It will not however save you should the bridge break off from one of its fixing points.

Onwards and upwards – literally. This next ladder bridge actually looks ok, it’s probably not something I would let the kids cross unless they were heavily insured but it does look sturdy enough. The man posing for the photograph certainly seems happy enough to be there despite bring almost 300 feet up in the cold Nepalese air.

This is certainly the most sensible looking bridge out of the 3 and our advice would just be to cross it with a slow steady walk when visibility was good and cross winds were low!

Ladder and rope bridges as shown above tend to be associated with the developing world; due to health and safety in most of the Western world it just wouldn't be allowed. But it is testament to the fact that a lot of these bridges are constructed by locals without university degrees that they are still standing (swinging) albeit in some cases precariously, many years after construction.

Ladder safety begins with understanding the three strength levels. They are, from heaviest to lightest, respectively; Industrial Duty, Trade Duty and Domestic Duty.

Industrial Duty – BS2037 Class 1

Industrial Duty ladders are constructed for frequent, heavy usage. As it is the strongest of the three, the Maximum Static Vertical Load rating for ladders in this category is 175kg or 27.5 stones. This category is BS2037 Class 1. It is important to note that while the old British Standard Duty Ratings are still commonly used for some ladders. However, the most accurate guide to the ladder's true Safe Working Load is the Maximum Static Vertical Load rating.  The safety of workers using the ladder is best preserved when these guidelines are properly followed.

Trade Duty – BS EN131 / BS2037 Class 2

The old BS2037 Class 2 encompasses the Trade Duty category. This category now has been replaced with BS EN131. The Maximum Static Vertical Load is 150kg or 23.5 stones. BS EN131 conforms to the continental standard EN131. This is a European-wide standard.  Ladders and steps manufactured on the continent that conform to EN131 may display the Kitemark in French and/or German. This broad acceptance of the BSI Group Kitemark as a trusted symbol that certifies the quality and dependability of the ladder speaks volumes about how respected the BSI Group and its tests are.

Continental manufactures universally produce ladders and steps that meet the specifications of EN131. This is because there is no continental class 1 or 3. Further, it is the case that manufacturers will often unofficially subdivide EN131 ladders and steps into heavy, medium and light duty categories.  This discrepancy between the British Standard and the continental standard fosters an environment in which some EN131 ladders are constructed with the heavy use strength of a British Class 1 ladder and others that conform to the lighter standard of the British Class 3 category.

Domestic Duty – BS2037 Class 3

BS2037  Class 3 ladders and steps, the Domestic Duty category, feature a Maximum Static Vertical Load rating of 125kg or 19.5 stones. These are ladders and steps designed for infrequent use in one's place of residence, such as for changing light bulbs, retrieving or stowing away items on a high shelf, and other light duty home uses.

Why Do Safety Standards Matter?

While BS037 and BS EN131 are standards and not regulations, using the wrong ladder can have negative consequences. First and foremost, using the wrong ladder can result in a devastating fall. Ladder-involved falls make up more than 25 percent of all reported falls. Falls from height can result in serious, life-altering injuries or even death.

Using a Domestic Duty ladder in a Trade or Industrial Setting may violate Health & Safety regulations and could be grounds for adverse action on the part of Health & Safety inspectors.  It may also be the case that improper use of a light weight domestic ladder in a heavy commercial application will be used by the insurance company as cause for denial of personal injury claims.

Timber Ladders – BS1129 Class 1 & BS1129 Class 2/BS EN131

Timber ladders and steps in the UK have two categories. They are BS1129 Class 1 Industrial Duty with a Maximum Vertical Static Load rating of 175kg or 27.5 stones and BS1129 Class 2 Trade Duty which is now embodied under BS EN131 as with metal ladders and steps. BS EN131 specifies a Maximum Vertical Static Load rating of 150kg or 23.5 stones. The old BS1129 Class 2 standard has been replaced by BS EN131, the continental standard. Because gaining the Kitemark is costly, and because the use and sale of timber ladders continues to fall sharply, it is unlikely that many British timber ladders conform to EN131 standards.

Loft Ladders – BS7553 Class H & BS7753 Class G

Loft ladders also have two distinct categories. They are, BS7553 Class H Heavy Use with a rating of 150kg or 23.5 stones Maximum Vertical Static Load, and BS7553 Class G General Use with a rating of 100kg or 15.75 stones. Most loft ladders are manufactured on the continent and are substantially stronger than called for by BS7553. With the decline in rural homesteads and family farms, loft ladders are not as prevalent as they once were. Modern homes, even in urban areas, that have lofts built into the floor plan will typically have a loft ladder. These ladders are typically quite sturdy and are built to last the lifetime of the home.

Understanding the Kitemark

Understanding the Kitemark is central to understanding ladder and step ratings. It is similar in intent and purpose to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark in the USA.  The Kitemark is owned and operated by the British Standards Institute (BSI Group) and is a registered certification mark of that institution. The mark has been in use since 1903 and is advisory in nature. It is predominately used on products, toys and devices where safety is of prime importance. Both the UL and BSI Group conduct safety testing on products where injury or death could result from improper use, faulty construction or accidents involving the product.

The Kitemark has also been used to identify services that have been tested and deemed acceptable to the applicable safety standards. It is further used as certification of services, such as auto repair, home installations, electrical work and other areas where skilled workmanship is involved and where a defect in that workmanship could cause loss of property, injury or death.

The Kitemark was originally intended to indicate products that were manufactured in accordance with BSI standards. It is one of the oldest product marks in the history of manufacturing and is still in use today. All across the UK and the continent, consumers look for the trusted Kitemark. It is their assurance that the product or service in question has been tested and found to meet the high standards set forth by the BSI Group. Other nations on the continent have adopted the Kitemark.

Conclusion

Understanding ladder and step ratings is made somewhat difficult by the existence of continental standards and the withdrawal of some British Standards which have been replaced by them. The key to safe ladder and step usage is largely common sense coupled with knowing the Maximum Static Vertical Load ratings. By selecting a ladder that conforms to the standard applicable to the use, and by not overloading the ladder, safety need not be a problem.

As you may already be aware, ladders aswell as being a useful tool can also be an implement of disaster. Many people hate having to climb a ladder especially if they are afraid of heights or have a fear of them from a previous "unforgetable" experience. Unfortunately accendents and injuries do occur whether through fault of your own or someone else. It is reported that more than 30,000 people a year are injured falling from ladders and unfortunately the trend is increasing. Most common injuries are concussion, shock and general overall pain, but fortunately most are not serious. However there are cases of more serious injuries such as broken bones, falling onto nails and glass and some falls have even been fatal.

How do we prevent this trend from rising? People need to be educated, they need to know what classification of ladder to use, what weight capacity is required and how to use a ladder is a safe manner. Many accidents are caused from broken rungs, due to the occupant being too heavy, or from the purchase of a ladder made from cheap material. It is important not to go for the cheap option just to save a few pennies, especially when safety is concerned. Another cause of accidents is the incorrct placement of ladders. The ground must be level and firm with no debris or rubbish laying around. It is a good idea to also go up a ladder with someone supporting the base, which should prevent the ladder from sliding. One last peice of advice is to read the manufacturers guide book. This should let you know if the ladder is correct to use for your purpose of use and it should explain all you need to know on how to use it correctly.

Hopefully you have a good knowledge of how to use a ladder correctly and we should see a decline in ladder related injuries.