Ladders

What kind of ladder do you need?

Choosing the Ladder Type

The first step in deciding the type of ladder you need is what you need it for. For ideas:

Selecting the correct height

Finding the correct height can be done fairly easily. All you need to do is identify the jobs you’re doing, and where. It becomes a fairly simple matter if you’re buying a ladder for your jobs at your own residential home.

If the jobs you’ll be doing are various, you may need to think about investing in adjustable ladders. For example, extension ladders can increase and decrease their height between certain margins.

Get an idea of the maximum height you’ll need for your ladder by identifying your individual needs, then check the closed height (height of the ladder when retracted) and open height (height of the ladder when elongated).

Knowing how much weight a ladder can hold

Ladders all have weight capacities, with domestic ladders typically having much lower ranges than commercial types.

The categories are as follows:

• Light Duty – 90kg/200 pounds, typically reserved for household tasks.
• Medium Duty – 102kg/225 pounds, best suited for light commercial tasks.
• Heavy Duty – 113kg/250 pounds, used for heavy-duty tasks such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.
• Extra Heavy Duty – 136-170kg/300-375 pounds. These ladders are used almost exclusively for industrial settings.

Determine the total weight of who will be using the ladders, as well as what they may be carrying, such as tools. Going over the weight capacity of your ladder can result in structural failure, loss of stability, increased risk of accident etc.

Choosing the right material

Ladders are made of different materials not just to take advantage of different strengths and weights amongst metal, but also to take advantage of different resistances. 

• Aluminium – Aluminium ladders are lightweight, rust-resistant and highly durable. Bear in mind, however, not to use these when doing electrical work, as it’s highly conductive. 

• Fibreglass – Fibreglass is non-conductive, making it safe for electrical work. 

• Wood – Wood is sturdy, but suffers from moisture damage easily, making this a ladder to keep indoors. 

• Steel – Steel is very strong, with very high weight capacities, mostly used in commercial/industrial settings.

• Plastic – Plastic is lightweight, and nowhere near as strong and durable as other materials, meaning its weight capacity is low and its uses should be kept to light domestic tasks. 

Ladders FAQS

How do I transport my ladders safely?

When transporting ladders on vehicles you should adhere to the following safety precautions.

• Check that the ladder is supported along its length to prevent it from hanging down
• Ensure the overhang beyond supports is equal and less than a third of the full length of the ladder
• Securely tie the ladder down to prevent road shock and chafing but be mindful not to overtighten as this can damage the ladder
• Cover the upper surface of the roof racks or supports with a soft material, like rubber or pine to reduce road shock.

How can I fix my damaged ladder?

For your safety, we do not recommend repairing a ladder that is damaged. If your ladder is starting to show signs of wear and tear and you think it is not secure enough to use anymore, you can find your new ladder from us at BPS Depot.