Ladders, Steps & Access Equipment
When it comes to reaching high places safely and effectively, you'll find a wide range of ladders, work platforms, access ramps and other hop-up solutions. When considering which factors are most important to you when making your choice, be aware of the importance of safety measures that need to be taken when working at height and make sure you have the necessary equipment to protect yourself from unnecessary risks.
What product range is provided by Cromwell?
• Kick Stools - Perfect for use in both professional and home settings, kick stools provide a sturdy non-slip base. Kick stools are ideal for use in kitchens, workshops, offices, and retail environments.
• Platform Steps - These ladders feature a wide platform at the top, offering a secure and stable working surface. They are ideal for tasks that require prolonged standing, such as painting or electrical work, and provide additional safety with handrails and non-slip treads.
• Step Ladders - Step ladders provide a stable platform for tasks at moderate heights and provide double-sided access, increasing efficiency for two-person jobs.
• Access Equipment Accessories - Discover a comprehensive selection of ladder accessories like hooks, ladder blocks, roof clamps and suction feet that are designed to enhance safety and efficiency across various tasks.
• Access Ramps - Elevate accessibility and compliance with building codes with our specially designed ramps, ideal for wheelchair users and facilitating easy mobile access to elevated platforms and buildings.
• Ladders - Explore a diverse selection of ladder types and heights, including single ladders, double ladders, combination ladders and telescopic ladder options that are tailored to suit various tasks like painting, decorating, or reaching high shelves with ease and safety.
• Towers and decks - Designed for safe and efficient use at construction sites, stage setups, outdoor gatherings and more.
Things to consider when choosing Ladders?
** 1) Ladder Type**:
Select the most suitable ladder type based on the tasks you'll be performing. Consider which type of ladder, steps or access equipment best suits your needs e.g. telescopic ladder, hop-on platform or multi-purpose ladder.
** 2) Safety Features and Compliance**: Prioritise the safety and compliance of the ladders, steps and access equipment, consider products with features to ensure stability while working at height that include:
• ** Fall Protection**: Accessories like stabilisers and stand-offs help to stabilise the ladder, preventing it from slipping or sliding during use.
• **Safety Rails and Guards**: Additional safety rails and guards provide extra support and stability while ascending or descending and help to prevent accidental slips or falls.
• **Tool Trays and Holders**: Keep tools and equipment organised and within reach reducing the need to frequently climb up and down the ladder.
Safety accessories for ladders play a crucial role in enhancing user protection and minimising the risk of accidents and injuries. Check our range at [Access Equipment Accessories](https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/site-safety/access-equipment-accessories/c/420106:// "Access Equipment Accessories")
** 3) Material and type of Treads or Rangs**: Anti-slip and wide treads reduce the likelihood of slips and falls, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
** 4) Material**: Choose the ladder material that best fits your requirements, consider the ladder weight, durability, and ensure it meets safety standards. Common ladder material types include aluminium for general use, fibreglass for electrical work, and timber for industrial use.
**Remember**: Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is paramount when using ladders and stepladders.
The European Union and the United Kingdom have implemented a ladder certification system, known as ladder classes are applicable to all ladders manufactured or sold within Europe. This certification pertains specifically to portable ladders like stepladders and extension ladders and is categorised into three types based on their certification. Each ladder certification is distinguished by a colour code that indicates the weight capacity, certification class, and intended use. The safety label's colour signifies the class and purpose.
• Class 1 ladder: Designed for heavy-duty industrial applications with a maximum load of 175 kg. Identified by a blue colour code.
• Class EN131 ladders: Intended for commercial purposes, supporting a maximum load of 150 kg. No specific colour code is assigned. EN131 improves ladder safety by making ladders wider, stronger and sturdier.
• BSI Kitemark: The British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark is a certification mark that indicates a product's compliance with specific standards and quality requirements. It may be applied to ladders meeting various British and international standards.
• BS 2037 Class 1: This British standard specifies requirements for Class 1 industrial ladders made of aluminium, providing guidelines for their construction, materials, and safety features.
• BS 1129 Class 1: This standard sets the requirements for timber ladders used in industrial applications, ensuring they meet certain safety and performance criteria.
**NOTE**: British standards BS 2037 and BS 1129 (often referred to as Class 1 and Class 3 ladders) are withdrawn standards and replaced by EN 131.
Ladder safety regulations fall under the purview of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations aim to minimise accidents and injuries by ensuring the safe and proper use of ladders.
See the following links to be fully ready for secured work on the height:
• Working at height safely: A brief guide, [Leaflet INDG401 HSE](www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.htm:// "Leaflet INDG401 HSE")
• Health and safety in roof work, includes guidance on roof ladders.
[Guidance HSG33 HSE](www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg33.htm:// "Guidance HSG33 HSE")
• Safety Guidance for Ladders, The Ladder Association
[Link](https://ladderassociation.org.uk/guidance/:// "Link")
• Brief Guide for safe use of Ladder and Stepladders
[Link](https://ladderassociation.org.uk/la455/:// "Link")
• Guidance on the selection and use of ladders on The Ladder Association website:
[Link](https://ladderassociation.org.uk/guidance/:// "Link")
Regular inspection is essential to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents or injuries. To ensure that nothing is missed during the inspection, keep the necessary user's do's and don'ts always visible with the help of [Guide Wall Chart](https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/site-safety/inspection-guides-and-books/ladder-inspection-guide-wall-chart/p/SSF9649012M:// "Guide Wall Chart")
##Ladders jargon buster
**Hop-Up Platform**: A hop-up platform is a type of elevated work platform commonly used for construction and maintenance tasks. It typically consists of a lightweight, portable platform with foldable legs that can be easily set up and moved around.
**Scaff Tag**: A scaff tag is a safety tagging system used in the construction industry to indicate the status of scaffolding structures. It typically consists of a durable tag attached to the scaffolding frame with information printed on it regarding the inspection status, safety precautions and any relevant notes or warnings.