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 both in professional and home settings, kick stools provide a sturdy build and a non-slip base. They 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, 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 heights and types, including single, double, combination, and telescopic options, tailored to suit various tasks like painting, decorating, or reaching high shelves with ease and safety.
• Towers and decks - Designed for construction sites, stage setups, outdoor gatherings, and more, ensuring safe and efficient use in various environments.
Things to consider when choosing Ladders?
• Safety Features such as Fall Protection Accessories like stabilizers and stand-offs help stabilize the ladder, preventing it from slipping or sliding during use. Safety Rails and Guards that provide extra support and stability. Tool Trays and Holders within reach reducing the need to climb up and down the ladder frequently. Safety accessories for ladders play a crucial role in enhancing user protection and minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• 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, applicable to all ladders manufactured or sold within Europe. This certification pertains specifically to portable ladders like stepladders and extension ladders, categorized into three types based on their certification. Each ladder certification is distinguished by a colour code, indicating its weight capacity, certification class, and intended use. The safety label's colour signifies the class and purpose.
• **Class 1 **: Designed for heavy-duty industrial applications with a maximum load of 175 kg. Identified by a blue colour code.
• **Class EN131 **: 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: Another British Standard, BS 1129 Class 1, sets 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 minimize 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
• Health and safety in roof work, Guidance HSG33 HSE (includes guidance on roof ladders)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg33.htm
• Safety Guidance for Ladders, The Ladder Association
https://ladderassociation.org.uk/guidance/
• Brief Guide for safe use of Ladder and Stepladders
https://ladderassociation.org.uk/la455/
• Guidance on the selection and use of ladders on The Ladder Association website:
https://ladderassociation.org.uk/guidance/
Regular inspections are essential to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents or injuries.
Ladders jargon buster
**Hop-Up Platform**: A hop-up platform is a type of elevated work platform commonly used in 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.