Recommendations for the design and performance of ladders are contained in the following British & European Standards

Industrial Ladders – For heavy duty where relatively high frequency and onerous conditions of use, carriage and storage occur. BS2037 Class 1 and BS1129 Class 1 ladders are suitable for industrial applications.

Light Trade Ladders – For medium duty where relatively low frequency and reasonably good conditions of use, carriage and storage occur. BS EN131 ladders are suitable for light trades application. In addition, the higher rated BS2037 Class 1 & BS1129 Class 1 are suitable for light trades application.

DIY Ladders – For light duty where frequency of use is low and good carriage or storage conditions occur. BS 2037 Class 3 and BS1129 Class 3 ladders are suitable for domestic applications. BS2037 Class 3 and BS1129 Class 3 ladders are not suitable for any light trades, trade or industrial applications.

Duty Rating

The calculated weight of the user, their tools and materials, plus the additional weight created by climbing up and down the equipment.

Work Load Capacity

The maximum static vertical load to be applied to a piece of equipment. Only accurately measured under test conditions.

Steps and Ladders

BS2037 Class 1 – maximum static vertical load 175kg (27.5 stone)

EN131 – maximum static vertical load 150kg (23.5 stone)

EN131-4 – maximum static vertical load 150kg (23.5 stone) for hinged ladders

EN14183 – maximum static vertical load 150kg (23.5 stone)

Loft Ladders

EN14975 – maximum static vertical load 150kg (23.5 stone)

Aluminium Scaffold Towers

BS EN1004:2004 – European standard relating to mobile scaffold towers with a height from 2.5m to 12m indoors and 2.5m to 8m outdoors.