Choosing a Stepladder
Many different designs are available, from small ‘step-stools’ to larger stepladders and combination designs which can be converted into stepladders.
It’s very important never to use any stepladder that’s the wrong height for the particular job you’re doing. Some are too short for high work, and some – just as dangerous – are too tall for lower work. You must be able to do your work comfortably without overreaching up, down or sideways.
All stepladders should meet the required British or European standards – check this whenever you buy, hire or borrow one.
• BS 1129:1990 (British) applies to wooden ladders
• BS 2037:1994 (British) applies to metal ladders
• BS EN 131:1993 (European) applies to both
• BS 7377:1994 (British) applies to step-stools
Is it strong enough?
New stepladders are generally marked according to their safe working load. This classification, however, can vary slightly in the values given and has caused confusion. The variation is due to the different way in which the values for safe working are expressed.
In the British Standard it is ‘Duty rating’. These have been arrived at by taking into account the general conditions and probable frequency of use for each type. The European Standard uses ‘Maximum static vertical load’. To help clarify this, we have given both sets of figures.
British Standard stepladders to BS 2037 (Aluminum) or BS 1129 (Wood) or BS 7377 (Step-stools):
• Class 1 (Industrial) Duty rating 130kg (20 stone)
= Maximum vertical static load 175kg
• Class 3 (Domestic) Duty rating 95kg (15 stone)
= Maximum vertical static load 125kg
European Standard stepladders to BS/EN 131 (all types):
• (Previous Class 2) Duty rating 115kg (18 stone)
= Maximum vertical static load 150kg
