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 rest 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, which is unattainable for a person of normal height. They owe their popularity mainly to their simple construction, convenience of carrying 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 even more.
Stairs 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 construction scaffolding, and has secure ways of fixing it in different positions and at different heights.
METAL LADDERS ARE THE MOST STABLE
Stability is the biggest advantage of metal ladders over those made of other materials. This ladder will be the last to let you down. This quality is guaranteed by the properties of steel and the reliable construction. With its stability, the metal ladder compensates for the advantage of aluminum and wooden ones in lighter weight. On the other hand, the greater weight makes the metal ladder more vulnerable to deformations. Along with this, metal ladders are very practical and easy to use, because they unfold quickly and are convenient for storage.
It is very important to take care of and maintain your metal ladder. It should be kept clean. Carefully remove any dirt, paint stains or other material from the device after use. Also, do not forget to wipe away any footprints. You should always keep the ladder dry.
When climbing a metal ladder, a person must be dressed in appropriate work clothes and wear sturdy shoes that prevent slipping. They must also wear comfortable gloves that provide sufficient thermal insulation for their hands and a secure grip at temperatures below 5°C.
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.
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.
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: Ladder breakage
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 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:
- To follow the rule of three fulcrums;
- Keep your body centered on the ladder (the belt buckle should not go beyond the sides);
- If we want to reach a certain point that is outside 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 can find metal two-arm multifunctional ladders from the Slovak company ELKOP, which is a leading manufacturer in the industry with more than 25 years of experience, traditions and market presence in dozens of countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
The ladders come in different sizes and allow for different heights to be reached. The models are powder coated, which provides them with a protective coating against corrosion, but this does not cancel the obligation to always keep the ladders dry.
An invaluable functional extra of the ELKOP metal multifunctional ladders are the additional extending legs with metal hooks for a stable grip. With their help, you will extend the ladder to its maximum dimensions for the work you need. In addition, the arms are designed to change their heights. This is done with the help of a reliable prefabricated structure that allows the arm to be moved and attached to different steps. Thus, the ladders can also be used on surfaces with differences in height.
The steps of the stairs are ribbed for maximum stability, and at their bases they have wide feet with plastic tips for better grip with the base.
ELKOP's metal multifunctional ladders are suitable for professional and home use.
The prices of these stairs with us are very affordable.
