Different workplaces mandate the usage of different ladders. The material of which the ladder is made, the height of the ladder, etc., are some of the specifications that need to be considered well before choosing a ladder. A safety ladder has two side rails for offering support to the user while ascending or descending. A hooped ladder is the alternative only where providing a staircase is not possible. Hooped ladders can be installed for descending into pits and tanks. 

The material of the ladder 

Ladders can be made of many materials, including fibreglass and aluminium. Fibreglass ladders are suitable for use around electrical equipment as they are non-conductive. Aluminium ladders are used at airports because they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic increases the durability of the ladders. 

Height of the ladder 

While all employers should try to eliminate the need for vertical ladders where they are necessary, they should have the appropriate height. For a safety ladder, the thumb rule is that the difference between the height to be accessed and the height of the ladder should be four feet. For example, a 5-foot stepladder would be tall enough for most people to get a 9-foot ceiling.

The rule is a bit complicated for extension and straight ladders. If the ladder is supposed to lean against the wall, the base has to be one foot out from the wall for every four feet of height up to the support point. A ladder leaning on a 28-foot wall should have a base 7 feet from the wall. 

Types of ladder

What makes a ladder suitable for a workplace? There are some features that can make a few ladders more convenient. In a warehouse, rolling ladders with wheeled bases are preferred because they are easy to move around. Fire brigades use telescopic ladders since they have tubular sections that help adjust the height. Cantilever ladders are used for spaces that are hard to reach. 

Where the workers need to work at a considerable height, a caged or hooped ladder ensures protection against falls. The cages, usually made of metal, encase the ladder rungs to provide additional safety and fall protection. This makes them suitable for environments where fall hazards exist or where workers need to access heights regularly. 

Safety features of the ladder 

To prevent any slips, the rungs in the ladder have rubber caps. There are plank-grating ladder rungs. The grating provides a textured surface for better traction and prevents slipping when climbing up or down the ladder. The design allows for efficient water drainage suitable for outdoor or industrial environments where slip resistance is essential. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right ladder for a workplace involves considering various factors like materials, height, and type. Safety is paramount, with features like non-conductive fibreglass or lightweight aluminium being essential. Understanding height guidelines and selecting specialised types, such as caged or hooped ladders, ensures worker safety at elevated locations, complemented by slip-resistant designs for added security.