A ladder is a device with transverse steps that is used to reach heights that are too high for human height to perform a certain task. There are two main types of ladders:
- single ones that lean against the wall;
- double, usually extendable, which can stand without support.
The material used for construction is most often wood, but newer ones are made of metal and plastic. Most ladders are portable, although a small percentage are attached to buildings.
Ladders are an indispensable assistant in construction and repair activities and in the garden, when work needs to be done at a certain height that is unattainable for a person. They owe their popularity mainly to their simple construction, convenience of transportation and ease of use. There are different types of ladders depending on the construction, mechanisms and field of application.
WHAT DIVIDES LADDERS INTO PROFESSIONAL AND HOME?
Regarding their application, ladders are divided into household and professional, with the classification being based mainly on several criteria. The first of these is the height of the climb. Household mobile ladders allow climbing to a height of 2 to 4 meters, while professional ones, which have a mobile structure, are significantly longer, more stable, and height restrictions are imposed solely for safety reasons.
The maximum load on the step is also a leading indicator in the classification. The higher the permissible load on the step of the ladder, the closer it is to the class of professional ladders. Household ladders are usually limited to a weight of 100-150 kg, while professional ladders can take more.
Ladders also differ in the ability to combine several functions. A household ladder is limited only in fulfilling this role, while a professional ladder can also be used as scaffolding, and has secure ways of fixing it in different positions and at different heights.
PROFESSIONAL LADDERS ARE CONVENIENT TO WORK AND EASY TO TRANSPORT
Professional ladders are an extremely convenient tool for work and easy to transport. With them you have the opportunity to conquer heights of any nature, as well as reach hard-to-reach places. Professional ladders are made of the lightest iron - aluminum alloy. The base of the aluminum professional ladder must be rubberized, made of high-quality rubber, which will prevent slipping and any unwanted accident.
Professional ladders have a locking mechanism against closing during work, which ensures your safety. This invaluable assistant in construction and repair activities has three varieties: single-arm, double-arm and triple-arm. Models are available that differ in height and functionality. The maximum weight that you should not exceed when using the ladder is 150 kg. It is of great importance to take care of and maintain your aluminum professional ladder. It must be kept clean. Carefully remove dirt, paint stains or other material from the device after use. Do not forget to wipe off any footprints. You should always keep the ladder dry.
MORE THAN ONE PERSON SHOULD WORK ON ONE LADDER
No more than one person is allowed to work on an aluminum professional ladder. He must be dressed in appropriate work clothes and wear sturdy shoes that prevent him from slipping. The person using an aluminum professional ladder must also wear comfortable gloves that would provide sufficient thermal insulation for his hands and a secure grip at temperatures below 5°C. It is prohibited to extend professional ladders, except in cases where this is provided for by the manufacturer. It is dangerous for other people to stand under professional ladders that are being worked on - in these cases it is good to keep a certain distance from the location of the ladder.
TYPES OF STAIRS ACCORDING TO THE CONSTRUCTION
The simplest type of aluminum ladders are single-section ones. To stand stable, they need to be supported on two surfaces - usually the floor and the wall. The main advantages of single-section aluminum ladders are their low price and ease of transportation.
Two-section aluminum ladders are the universal solution for every home handyman. The height at which they can be used is the same as the single-section ones, but the area occupied during work is half as small. The ladder only needs one support surface. The telescopic design of the two-section aluminum ladders allows for height adjustment during work and an increase in width to provide additional stability.
The advantages of single-section and double-section aluminum ladders are combined in a combined model - the so-called three-section aluminum ladders. The ladder consists of three parts, and the design allows the use of a wide range of heights. Its upper part can be separated and used as a separate single-section ladder.
ALUMINUM LADDERS ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN STEEL LADDERS
Professional aluminum ladders are used in both construction and domestic activities. Their price is half that of steel ladders, which makes them affordable for every household. Aluminum ladders are strong, durable and can withstand loads of up to 150 kg. Their extremely compact shape makes them easy to transport over long distances - an aluminum ladder can easily fit in the trunk of a car.
HOW TO CHOOSE A LADDER?
When choosing a ladder, we should pay attention to how reliable the connections of all the joints are, their fixation and whether the steps are not slippery. When unfolded, the ladder must have the correct geometric configuration. When placed on the floor, it must rest evenly on it with its feet. If there are gaps, they can lead to swinging to the side and unwanted accidents. There must be pads on the legs of the ladder that do not slide on the floor and do not scratch it.
For domestic purposes, the most convenient and reliable is a universal ladder that has steps on both sides. This allows it to be used by two people at the same time, which often happens in practice.
PROFESSIONAL LADDERS EASILY BECOME BUILDING SCAFFOLDING
For professionals, ladders are produced that can easily be transformed into construction scaffolding. These are ladders that can be opened vertically and telescopically transformed into mobile structures. This type of mobile ladders has many models and is represented very widely. However, it is worth noting that the products of well-known manufacturers should be chosen, because the risk of falling and dangerous health consequences is significantly reduced.
Usually, mobile stairs are made of metal or wood. There are also variants where the supporting supports are made of iron or steel pipes, and the steps are made of wood. Of course, these devices are not very elegant, they are even cumbersome, heavy and take up a lot of space.
ALUMINUM IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR ESCALATORS
It is clear that wooden escalators are more impractical. The wood dries out over time, cracks, warps where the steps are attached to the supports, and cannot withstand a load of more than 100 kg. Therefore, the best material for escalators has been and remains aluminum or duralumin. In principle, duralumin (duralumin) is also an alloy. But manufacturers of escalators claim that these are different things: duralumin has a smaller percentage of aluminum, and aluminum escalators are generally stronger and more expensive than duralumin. Both aluminum and duralumin are particularly strong and reliable materials. It should be borne in mind that the main load falls on the supports.
HOW ARE THE STEPS MOST SECURELY FIXED?
Most often, metal steps on both sides of the ladder are riveted to the metal stand. The most reliable way to fasten the steps is if they are rolled to the stand. This means that both ends of the steps (metal plates or pipes) are inserted into the stand. The metal is firmly soldered to the metal. Such steps will never pop out, and it is impossible for them to break.
In addition to the type and quality of the materials used and the professional workmanship, when choosing a ladder, attention should be paid to several other factors. First of all, the steps should be grooved, and it is even better if they have plastic or rubber mats. This is important so that the foot does not slip, which is especially dangerous at high heights. Not only our feet should not slip, but also the legs of the ladder. Therefore, it is important that they are "shod" with rubber or soft plastic protectors.
DON'T FORGET THE SEAT BELTS!
There is another danger - to use a mobile ladder without a restraint belt. It often happens like this: you put the ladder in place and fix its upper step or platform, which connects its two sections. As if everything is fine, you can climb up. But let's assume that you have fixed the platform poorly and the ladder starts to slide at the most crucial moment. That's when the restraint belts will not allow it to completely collapse.
SEE THE 4 BIGGEST DANGERS OF FALLING FROM LADDER AND PREVENT THEM
The ladder is a commonly used piece of equipment, but:
- when using a ladder, the width of the working area is quite limited;
- the time required to move and adjust the ladder is often underestimated when planning the work;
- A person's working postures when working on a ladder are often uncomfortable.
Due to limitations and underestimation of the danger, falls from stairs are one of the most common accidents. In this regard, occupational safety specialists point out the 4 biggest dangers with the idea of preventing them.
Hazard #1: Instability, slipping or falling on the ladder
To avoid falling due to an unstable ladder or falling with the ladder, before starting work, we must make sure that it is placed on a stable and level base and is well secured. If we use a ladder in a corridor, near unlocked doors and other places where it can be knocked over or knocked over by passing people or vehicles, it is necessary to take measures to prevent being knocked over by fencing, warning signs and signs, organizing security, etc.
Properly positioning a single-arm ladder using the elbow rule (standing "rib" next to the ladder on the climbing side and placing a bent arm in a horizontal position, with the elbow resting on the ladder) will prevent it from sliding down or tipping over.
A special regulation and good practice guides also specify the following requirements related to the stability of stairs:
We must take measures to prevent the supports from slipping during use by securing their side beams at or near their upper and/or lower ends by means of an anti-slip device or by another device of equivalent effectiveness.
If it is impossible to prevent the ladder from being pushed out by fencing and warnings, provide a second person to guard and/or hold the base of the ladder so that the work can be done in complete safety.
When using a single ladder, ensure a stable upper support. We cannot use freshly painted or icy walls, gutters, round columns, masts, poles, building corners, pipes, etc. as upper support.
When using a single ladder longer than 3 m, secure it against tipping backwards or sideways, regardless of the number of climbs or the time of use.
Hazard #2: Breaking a ladder
The measures we can take to prevent falls due to a broken ladder are related to its serviceability, proper storage and use, for example:
- Protect portable metal ladders from corrosion by applying a protective coating once a year;
- Store portable ladders in a way that protects them from mechanical damage and adverse weather conditions;
- Before starting work, check for defects;
- Before use, test the ladder with a static load of 1.2 kN (122 kg) applied to one step located in the middle of the ladder;
- Do not exceed the maximum permissible load-bearing capacity of the ladder;
- Never use a wooden portable ladder with cracks;
- Do not extend the ladder unless this is provided for by the manufacturer;
- If we use a single ladder with a length greater than 5 m, we should take measures against deformation (for example, by supporting it in the middle);
- Use ladders that match the height of the workplace in length and construction;
- Before each use, it is necessary to inspect for cracks, splits, nicks, distortions, corrosion, and missing parts.
Hazard No. 3: Slipping of the worker on the ladder
To protect ourselves from this, we need to follow the following rules:
- Wear non-slip shoes, cleaned of mud, etc.;
- Let's not climb two steps;
- Do not leave tools or materials on the steps of the ladder;
- Do not use wet, oily or icy stairs;
- If we work at a height greater than 3 m from the base of the ladder, we must use a safety belt attached to a sturdy and secure structure;
- Do not stand on a ladder with one leg hanging off to the side or standing on another object.
Danger #4: Reaching beyond the reach zone
To avoid losing balance while working on a ladder, we need to do the following:
- Let's follow the rule of three fulcrums;
- Keep your body centered on the ladder (the belt buckle should not extend beyond the sides);
- If we want to reach a certain point that is beyond our reach, we should not lean sideways, but move the ladder. We should never reach more than an arm's length away;
- Do not throw tools or other objects at a person on a ladder.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find a variety of professional ladders from the Slovak company ELKOP and the German company KRAUSE, which are leading manufacturers in the industry.
All ladders are made of the most reliable material - aluminum. They are of three types: single-arm, double-arm and triple-arm. They are equipped with a different number of steps and, accordingly, allow reaching different heights. The steps are ribbed for maximum stability, and at their base the ladders are equipped with wide feet with plastic tips, which contribute to good grip with the base. Another functional addition to professional ladders are the side openings on each step. They allow for equipment with additional accessories such as tool hooks or additional leveling feet.
For maximum safety, the devices are equipped with restraint belts against accidental extension. The ladders allow easy and safe transportation thanks to their low weight and the self-locking system that prevents unintended extension.
Aluminum ladders are suitable for both professional and home use. The prices of our professional ladders are competitive for the market.
