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Ladder safety - safe use of ladders and step ladders, how to use a ladder safety. Man in high vis jacket and helmet climbing a ladder

Ladder safety should always be your top priority if you or your employees use ladders to work at height. As you'd imagine, we take safety very seriously here at SafetyLiftinGear - here is our guide on how to use a ladder safely.

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If you work in a job that involves working at height, chances are that you will be fairly well-acquainted with the humble ladder.

However, what you might not be so familiar with is the recent change in ladder regulations that has rocked the UK ladder industry to its very core…

 

ladder regulations

 

What is EN131?

Okay, while that last statement may be a little bit of a stretch, the fact remains: new ladder regulations have indeed been implemented in the UK and the times they are a-changing.

Luckily, for ladder users nationwide, things are looking up!

The new and improved EN131 regulation was introduced in January 2018, replacing the old version of the same name. After a year’s grace period, the new ruling came into official effect in January 2019.

The move represented the changing of the guard and signalled to the industry that both Trading Standards and the HSE will expect all new ladders created thereafter to adhere to the new rule.

But what exactly is this new rule and how does it affect you?

To handle such laddery queries, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to the EN131 regulation for questions just like that.

 

Why did it change?

When it comes to working with ladders, one thing is for sure – it certainly has its ups and downs… and ups and down… and ups and downs...

However, while regulatory changes can often spell headaches for those directly affected, the recent change in ladder regulations is actually a change for the better in many ways.

Prior to the updated amendments, UK ladder regulations were split into three categories: covering industrial, trade and domestic use.

However, the old version of the EN131 had some gaping holes in its armour, notably the absence of slip, stability, strength and durability precautions.

As these are generally the key areas that account for primary causes of ladder-related accidents, the European Commission set about making a change.

As a result, the new and improved EN131 was created and released to the world like a new iPhone, boasting all the perks of previous model but with a few tweaks and handy new features attached.

 

What’s changed?

Fresh from its regulatory facelift, the EN131 now uses a simplified two-class system, clearly dividing ladders into either professional or non-professional categorisation.

The new ruling should (in theory) harmonise standards for ladders across the board, ensuring that all ladders meet the minimum safety standards required.

While there’s very little in terms of wholesale changes, the EN131 does feature numerous essential criteria in the interest of user safety.

According to the amended regulation, all ladders over 3m must now feature stabilisers and be appropriately tested. Meanwhile, all new ladders must also have an MWL of at least 150kg.

 

Do I need to change my ladders?

While the new ladder regulations should help keep ladder manufacturers on the up and up, what does that mean for ladder-using professionals nationwide?

If you already own ladders for work purposes – whether you’re a window cleaner, a roofer or Santa Claus – it’s worth remembering that this new regulation is a guideline for manufacturers creating ladders from now on.

As a result, the regulation change shouldn’t directly impact professionals, so don’t worry about any ladder inspectors stopping by to check the quality of your gear and repossess your equipment.

That being said, while professionals won’t be forced to replace their existing hardware, they will be expected/urged to upgrade to an EN131 certified ladder when their current one bites the dust.

 

ladder regulations

 

Where can I buy EN131 certified ladders?

If your job involves working with ladders and you’re looking to take your ladder game to the next level, why not check out the range of ladders available at SLG today?

From step ladders and extension ladders to fibreglass ladders and telescopic ladders, we have everything you could ever need to help you up your game and take you straight to the top.

While you’re at it, be sure to breeze by our ladder safety equipment too. Our range of ladder safety kits are perfect for anyone looking to make working at height a little less hazardous.

 

For more information on any of the ladders available on SafetyLiftinGear.com, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0117 9381 600 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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You're probably aware that a startling number of workplace and home injuries occur every single year as a result of working from heights without proper safety equipment. But did you know that nearly half of all fatal workplace falls involve ladders? A statistic like this really shows how dangerous using a ladder can be when proper safety procedures and processes aren't followed or supplementary safety equipment is ignored. Well, here at SafetyLiftinGear, we aim to help prevent or at least minimise the number of fatal accidents as much as we can with our range of Height Safety Equipment

One category within our Height Safety Equipment offers a perfect solution to anyone looking to add that little bit more protection whilst working with ladders. Our Ladder Safety Kits provide workers and individuals with a number of ladder safety accessories that not only increase the safety of anyone using a ladder but anyone else in the surrounding area. Our Ladder Safety Kits are available in 2 different levels, offering varied products. Take a look below to find out what ladder safety accessories are available within each of our kits!

Ladder Safety Kit - Level 1

 

ladder safety accessories

Our Level 1 Kit includes the following ladder safety accessories:

- P35 2-Point Harness

- Anchor Attachment 

- Re-usable Ladder Restraint Tie 

- 6mtr Endless Lashing

- PVC Kit Bag 

View Level 1 Kit >

 

Ladder Safety Kit - Level 2

 ladder safety accessories

Our Level 2 Kit includes the following ladder safety accessories:

- P35 2-Point Harness

- Rope & Grab 

- Webbing Anchor 

- 2x Screw Lock Karabiners

- Re-usable Ladder Restraint Tie 

- 6mtr Endless Lashing

- PVC Kit Bag

 View Level 2 Kit >

For more information on our collection of ladder safety accessories or for assistance purchasing one of our Ladder Safety Kits, please do not hesitate to contact a member of customer service team today - we'd be happy to help!

 

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No matter where you work or where you live, you’re almost guaranteed to see a ladder somewhere! Whether it’s in the middle of a shop floor or stored away in an equipment room or shed, everyone needs a ladder to help complete tasks at those awkward heights. If by any chance you do not have a ladder or are in need of a new one, then SafetyLiftinGear are here to help! Our extensive range of ladders are now restocked, all suitable for various environments and tasks, so whether you need to reach a product on a shelf or have to clean those gutters that you’ve been putting off for months, we are sure to have the ladder you need to get the job done quickly and safely.

All of our ladders are different and are built to serve a number of purposes, below you can find a number of the ladders we offer here at SLG and the best places in which they are suited.

 

Aluminium Telescopic Ladders

 

 

Our collection of Aluminium Telescopic Ladders have recently been restocked and are perfect for a number of tasks both at work and at home. These ladders are collapsible and are available in both lightweight and heavy-duty options, making them great for a number of work and home tasks. Due to their collapsibility, they are able to be stored and transported with ease within the home and congested work environments. Professionals such as riggers and contractors who frequently travel will benefit greatly from using these types of ladders as they can be easily stored in vans and taken along to any job. Our heavy-duty option is also great for use in working environments as they provide the durability and strength needed to last a long time and ensure safety when used. With a design that is both smooth and user-friendly, this ladder makes it easy to choose the desired height in which you need to work at. You can view our entire range of telescopic ladders here.

 

Loft Ladders

Our Loft Ladders are perfect if you need a safe and easy solution to get in and out of your attic. Providing unique patented features that include a self-deploying stabiliser a slow closing mechanism to prevent fingers from trapping and with a telescopic build, they are easy to set up and use so you will have no trouble gaining access to your loft. They are also extremely easy to assemble and take up the minimum amount of space in your attic, you really should look no further when it comes to finding a ladder to access your loft. View our full range of loft ladders here.

 

Step Ladders

 

 

A classic option, you can most definitely find a step ladder in most home and commercial premises due to their size and ability to be transported easily. As they are shorter than other forms of ladders, these provide an excellent solution when it comes to performing low-level lifting and reaching operations. For added stability and safety, a number of step ladders in our collection contain slip-resistant and anti-slip treads, making these ladders even more safe to use. Click here to view our full range of step ladders.

Please ensure that when you are using any type of ladder you are using it correctly and in the safest possible way. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with the safe use of ladders, then please visit our Ladder Safety page to find out more.

 

The Ladder Association

SafetyLiftinGear is a proud members of The Ladder Association, a premier trade association, home to all essential guidance and training needed to ensure working at height is as safe as possible. Along with its members, The Ladder Association gathers expertise to support safety and best practice of ladder use as well as technical advice. As a member, SLG is a recognised organisation that offer both ladder rentals and sales that you can trust, providing you ease of mind that you are receiving a ladder of the highest quality and also provide access to knowledge, resources and support in relation to ladders, which includes training for working at height safely.

It is important to also mention that single British and European product standard covering all types of portable ladders has been substantially revised. For further information on this change visit The Ladder Association page here.

These are just a few of the large selection of ladders that we supply here at SafetyLiftinGear. Other options include Extension, Glass-Fibre and Multi-Purpose Ladders, all of which are in stock can be viewed here to purchase. If you have any questions regarding the ladders mentioned above or our full range of ladders then please do not hesitate to contact us today us today where a member of our customer service team will be more than happy to help. 

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ladder security and safety
When working at heights, ensuring your ladder is secure is a vital requirement. Simple checks and precautions taken before using a ladder can help reduce the risk when using it and help keep you safe. With over 6,000 deaths and 30,000 injuries caused by falling from ladders every year, safe work procedures for ladders are more important than ever before. Here are just a few tips on how you can keep secure when working at heights.
 
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