Ladders

     
Confused about ladders?  What's best?  What's the difference?  Understanding ladders and their use is quite simple when four key elements are considered.  The elements are Style, Size, Duty Rating and Material.

What style of ladder is right for the job?
That depends on the job being done.  Step stools, stepladders, platform and multi-purpose ladders are usually recommended for indoor use.  For outdoor use, taller stepladders, multi-purpose and extension ladders are usually more appropriate. 
What's the difference between a step and a platform ladder?
Platform ladders are step ladders with a larger standing surface for more comfortable work at a fixed height.  Decorators, painters and other craftsmen who work at a constant height often favor this type of ladder.
What are multi-purpose ladders?
These include tripod, 3-way and 5-way combination ladders and multi-position hinged ladders.  The 3 and 5-way ladders convert from a single or double stepladder to a straight or extension type ladder.  The 5-way also converts to a stairway ladder or to 2 single ladders.  The multi-position hinged ladders offer 15 - 18 different positions including step, double step, straight and scaffolding ladders.
 

           


Why is proper sizing so important in ladder selection?
Using a ladder that is too short or too long can create a dangerous situation.  Homeowners who may be prompted to buy the highly promoted 16' extension ladder may find they have to lean, climb or reach further than the ladder allows.

Are there guidelines to follow in selecting the proper length of extension ladders?
Extension ladders should be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest support or contact point.  This will allow enough length for proper setup, overlap of ladder sections and still allow the worker to stand four rungs or more down from the top.

What are the guidelines for proper height of stepladders?
The typical safe reaching height on a stepladder is 4' higher than the height of the ladder.  For example, a typical person can safely reach an 8' ceiling when standing two steps down from the top of a 4' stepladder.  Note we said two steps down for safety.  Standing higher may result in lost balance or falls.

What is Duty Rating?
Ladders are designed and constructed to safely hold up to a specific amount of weight.  Werner ladders come in four Duty Ratings, identified by their Grade and Type.  The Duty Rating is defined as the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder . . . including the person, tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder.  The Type relates to the use/abuse that the ladder will be subjected to.

  • TYPE III ladders are Light Duty Household Grade ladders that can handle working loads up to 200 pounds.  Type III ladders are economical, lightweight, and dependable for many light duty around-the-house uses. 
  • TYPE II Medium Duty Commercial Grade ladders are for working loads up to 225 pounds.  TYPE II ladders are ideal for painters, paperhangers, or handymen. 
  • TYPE I Heavy Duty Industrial Grade ladders are for workloads up to 250 pounds.  These ladders are built to take heavier everyday use from contractors, maintenance workers as well as serious do-it-yourselfers. 
  • TYPE IA ladders are Extra Heavy Duty Industrial Grade or Professional Grade ladders which can handle workloads up to 300 pounds.  TYPE IA ladders are usually subjected to rugged industrial, maintenance and construction use.
What role does material play in ladder selection?
Ladders are typically made from fiberglass, aluminum and wood.  Each material has characteristics which make it best for certain application, or one material may simply fit the personal preferences of the user.  When choosing a ladder, be sure to consider the purpose or specific tasks for which the ladder will be used.  For example, potential contact with electrical wires, or a hostile environment such as exposure to certain chemicals or outdoor storage would lead one to choose fiberglass over aluminum and wood.

Why is fiberglass a good choice?
Fiberglass ladders are the fastest growing segment of the climbing products industry, and have become the leading choice for both consumers and professionals.  This is due in part to the great value of fiberglass, appearance and suitability for a wide range of applications.  Fiberglass ladders are strong, durable, electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive.  They are also relatively lightweight and colorful.

What are the advantages of aluminum ladders?
The foremost advantages of aluminum ladders are their strength and light weight.  They are also corrosion and rust resistant, withstand most hostile working environments and are typically available in most Duty Ratings.

Why are wood ladders so popular?
Wood ladders are considered more traditional and typically are made from clear southern pine.  When kept dry and clean, wood ladders offer a margin of safety when working near electricity.  They are also twice as heavy as fiberglass and aluminum ladders which makes them feel solid to stand on although the weight makes them difficult to move around.  In addition, wood is susceptible to degradation when stored on trucks or left outside and exposed to nature's elements.

Using the right ladder for the job is the safest way to complete any task.  Using the wrong ladder is dangerous and can result in serious injury.  The proper choice of Style, Size, Duty and Material will result in years of satisfied use.