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 2037 Class 1 or BS EN131.
For the latest changes to EN131 – please download our White Paper.
Current Standards
- BS EN 131 Part 1:2015 Ladders – terms types functional sizes
- BS EN131 Part 2:20110+A2:2017 Ladders – Requirements testing marking
- BS EN131 Part 3:2018 Ladders – Marking and user instructions
- BS EN131 Part 4:2007 Ladders – Single or multiple hinge joint ladders
- BS EN131 Part 6:2015 Ladders – Telescopic
- BS EN131 Part 7:2013 Mobile ladders with platform
- BS 2037 Aluminium ladders, steps and trestles (British only standard)
- BS 1129 Timber ladders, steps, trestles and staging
- EN 14975:2006+A1:2010 Loft ladders. Requirements, marking and testing
- EN 14183:2003 Step stools
- EN 1004 Mobile scaffold towers
- BS 8520:2016 Low-level work platforms under 2.5m (Formerly PAS 250)
- BS 8634 Roof ladders (Proposal stage)
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). https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/committees/50000617#published
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. https://standards.cen.eu
Ladder Association
The Ladder Association was 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. It currently uses Ladder Exchange to educate of the public as to the proper selection, care and safe use of ladders. Representation of the interests of its members include manufacturers, suppliers, training organisations and more throughout the UK and beyond.
Visit The Ladder Association for more information