Ladders

When working at a height it's crucial that you stay safe. At Cromwell, we offer a comprehensive range of ladders that are designed to meet all the requirements of your workplace, while also providing maximum safety. Our ladders are available in different heights and offer different safety features. We carefully source our products from leading brands, such as Bratt's Ladders®, T.B. Davies® and GPC®, to ensure that all of our customers receive the best ladder safety and performance.

What are ladders?

Ladders are essential tools used to safely access elevated areas. They are stable, durable, versatile, and adaptable. Different types like Step Ladders, Telescopic, Swing back, Combination, Triple and Extended Ladders cater to diverse heights and working conditions. Features like material, anti-slip rungs and locking bars provide a reliable means for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Why buy ladders?

When working at a height, it's important to ensure the safety of the user. Ladders sold in the UK must meet Health & Safety standards to provide a reliable and safe tool. Therefore, when reaching for or stacking products at a height, a good set of compliant ladders allows you to work confidently and efficiently, minimising the risk of accidents and injuries while tackling a wide range of projects indoors and outdoors.

When are ladders used?

Ladders come in handy in a variety of working environments. At Cromwell, you will find products covering various working tasks like maintenance, construction, commercial settings, warehouses, aircraft, workshops, decorating and window cleaning.

Ladder types

Ladders come in all sizes with different accessories, including access platforms, added railings and tool-holding facilities. You can choose a set of ladders based on their overall height, the number of treads and the included accessories if required. Ladders should be CE-certified and comply with BS EN 131 standards.

• Combination ladders can be used as a stepladder or opened to form a single ladder, making them versatile.
• Double ladders provide complete security when fully extended with its double extension and rigid stiles.
• Fibreglass ladders are made from fibreglass and are widely used by electricians and other workers who may encounter live electricity, as they are non-conductive.
• Roof ladders have roof hooks that secure them to the apex, allowing for safe angled work.
• Single ladders are a ladder type that features a single length of climbing rungs.
• Stepladders are the type of ladder that includes a small platform at the top for standing.
• Telescopic ladders are designed to be collapsible for compact storage and extend to a required height.
• Triple ladders are similar to double ladders, this type has three extensions and rigid stiles for added security at full extension.

Considerations when choosing a ladder

• Application - your desired application will most likely determine the size, type and material of the ladder required.
• Material - pick the ladder material that best fits your requirements in terms of weight, durability, and safety. Common materials include aluminium, fibreglass and wood.
• Additional features - prioritize safety features such as non-slip rungs, locking mechanisms and stabilisers to prevent accidents and ensure stability while working at height.

Ladder jargon buster

Working at a height can be high risk, and there is a lot of safety legislation and training requirements to keep people safe. Ladder safety standards are important to know to ensure you stay compliant, so we've given a brief explanation here to keep you informed.

What do safety standards BS EN 131 mean?
This standard outlines the manufacture and testing requirements of all portable steps and ladders.

Let's break it down...
• BS - this is an abbreviation for the British Standards Association who govern the safety standards for Britain.
• EN - this is the abbreviation for European Norm and highlights the alignment with European safety standards.
• 131 - this is the legislation number for this standard.
• Professional - a classification for ladders used in the workplace only, this requires the ladders to take a maximum load of 150kg including any extra tools and equipment required by the user.
• Non-professional - a classification for ladders used domestically with the requirement of a maximum total load capacity of 150kg.

FAQs

At what angle should I set my ladder?
When placing a ladder, it is important to ensure that it is on a flat surface and angled at 75° from the wall. If working outside, be sure to check for any nearby phone lines and secure the ladder's stiles at the top to prevent slipping or movement.

What's the difference between a ladder and a stepladder?
A ladder is used against a wall or other secure vertical surface, while a stepladder opens to a V-shape to support itself without the need to lean. Stepladders are generally used to reach for a high object, while ladders help you to climb up and onto a surface.

What should you never use ladders around?
Always check for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder in proximity to power lines. Never use metal ladders around exposed electrical wiring. To prevent accidents, metal ladders should be labelled with tags or stickers that read "CAUTION - Do Not Use Around Electrical Equipment" or similar wording.

What are the 3 ladder safety rules?
Maintain 3-point contact while climbing a ladder. Stay centred and face the ladder. Use a barricade to keep people away. Keep the ladder free of slippery materials.

What PPE is mandatory when working with ladders?
It is of utmost importance to wear appropriate gear while using a ladder. This includes proper footwear, gloves, safety helmets, and carabiners to prevent any accidental falls due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, all workers must receive adequate ladder safety training to ensure a safe work environment.