BSI is the British Standards Institute and the UK National Standards Body (NSB) recognised by the Her Majesties Government responsible for developing and implementing nationally recognised standards for ladders and ladder related products. In the UK, portable access equipment should comply with the appropriate standard and the HSE recommend that all portable ladders and step ladders on construction sites comply with BS EN 131 Professional Use, indicated by a hard hat icon on the attached instructions or ladder safety label.
Current Published Standards
Leaning/Step Ladders
- BS EN 131-1:2015+A1:2019 – Ladders – Terms, types functional sizes
- BS EN 131-2:2010+A2:2017 – Requirements, testing, marking
- BS EN 131-3:2018 – Marking and user instructions
- BS EN 131-4:2020 – Single or multiple hinge-joint ladders
- BS EN 131-6:2019 – Telescopic ladders
- BS EN 131-7:2013 – Mobile ladders with platform
Pending standards
- BS EN 131-8: (pending) Ladders with separate platform
- BS EN 131-5: (pending) Accessories
Step Stools
- BS EN 14183:2003 Step stools
Roof Ladders
- BS 8634:2017 – Portable roof ladders
Loft Ladders
- BS EN 14975:2006+A1:2010 – Loft ladders. Requirements, marking and testing
B512 Committee
Ladder standards are developed by dedicated panels of experts, within technical committees. A standard undergoes various stages of development, beginning with the Proposal stage, which is aimed at affirming the market need for a standard. Once a proposal for a standard is approved, the relevant panel of experts in the area is tasked with drafting the standard, as per internationally agreed principles of standards development. The B512 committee is responsible for the National and European Standardisation work of portable ladders and attic stairs/loft ladders excluding ladders for special professional use, it mirrors the work of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) CEN/TC93. The committee is made is representatives from CEN, the Ladder Association, Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Trading Standards and the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BEHTA).
European Committee for Standardisation
CEN/TC93 is responsible for defining the necessary standards for a free trade of ladders in Europe. This includes ensuring a high level of safety is defined within the standards and a removal of technical barriers to trade and open markets.
The UK Ladder Association
The Ladder Association established in 1947 and develops accredited training programmes for the safe us of ladders. The association promotes the safe use of products as well as assists in the development of standards, while working with major bodies including the Health & Safety Executive. For more information about the association, please visit The Ladder Association.
