How to Choose a Ladder
Extension Ladder
Top SupportPoint |
Ladder Required |
||
| 2,74m max | 4,80m | ||
| 2,74m – 3,96m | 6,10m | ||
| 3,96m – 5,18m | 7,22m | ||
| 5,18m – 6,40m | 8,53m | ||
| 6,40m – 7,82m | 9,75m | ||
| 7,82m – 8,53 | 10,97m | ||
| 8,53 to 9,45 | 12,10m |
Reflects section overlap, ladder angle & 1m extension above roof line
Step Ladder
To Reach Point * |
Ladder Required |
| 2,13m | 0,91m |
| 2,44m | 1,22m |
| 2,74m | 1,52m |
| 3,05m | 1,83m |
| 3,35m | 2,13m |
| 3,88m | 2,44m |
| 4,27m | 3,05m |
| 4,88m | 3,60m |
| 5,49m | 4,27m |
| 6,10m | 4,88m |
* AVERAGE HEIGHTS: Assuming a 1,7m person, with a vertical reach of 305mm.
Choose the Correct Load Capacity
| LOAD CAPACITY | TYPICAL USES | ||
| 135kg Extra Heavy Duty |
Industrial Construction, Building, Roofing and General Construction | ||
| 115kg Heavy Duty/ Industrial |
General contraction, Building, Maintenance and Drywalling | ||
| 100kg Medium Duty/ Commercial |
Light Commercial, Painting, Cleaning and Light Repair | ||
| 90kg Light Duty/ Household |
Painting, Yard Work and Domestic |
Ladder duty/load ratings
The current three SABS ladder classifications are domestic and commercial/industrial. There are three main European classifications of ladders – Class 1, EN 131 and Class 3. Each classification indicates the Safe Working Load that a ladder is designed to support.
The value of the Safe Working Load is intended to cover the weight of a single person and their equipment and is also referred to as the Maximum Static Vertical Load. Ladders have also been classified under their Duty Rating. These values were based on the frequency of use and the type of environment in which a ladder is used. In the South African market the Safe Working Load and Maximum Static Vertical Load Rating are used to identify the various “strength” options available to the consumer.
The table reflects the “duty” options of ladders available in South Africa
| Standard | Duty | Working load | MSVL | Details |
| SABS1304 Part 2-2009 | Domestic | 100kg | 130kg | Suitable for occasional use, not for trade or industrial use |
| SABS1304-1980 | Industrial/trade | 115kg | 150kg | Suitable for trade & heavy-duty DIY use |
| SABS 130-1980 | Heavy-duty | 135kg | 175kg | Suitable for heavy-duty industrial use. |
| EN 131 class 1 | Industrial | 130kg | 175kg | Suitable for heavy-duty industrial use. |
| EN 131 | Trade | 115kg | 150kg | Suitable for trade & heavy-duty DIY use |
| EN 131 class 3 | Domestic | 100kg | 130kg | Suitable for occasional use, not for trade or industrial use |
The correct selection, set-up, maintenance and use of a ladder will have a significant effect on the performance of the ladder, an incorrectly set-up, un-serviced or defective ladder may not perform to its rated capacity.
Aluminium, Steel or Fibreglass?
| Aluminium | Strong, Lightweight, Corrosion Resistant | ||
| Steel | Strong, Economical, Corrosion Resistant | ||
| Fibreglass | Electrically Non-Conductive, Strong, Leading Choice of Professionals |
