Roof Ladders
Working on a sloping roof requires a high-quality, suitable ladder solution that can support your weight, secure your position, and increase safety whilst completing your tasks. BPS Access Solutions is Britain’s leading access solutions company, and our range of domestic and commercial extending roof ladders is the best on the market.
Made from a lightweight aluminium construction but with sturdy makeup (minimum max load 150kg), our professional roof ladders are strong and capable of carrying heavy loads. Fixed with PVC-coated support bearers, our ladders are both easy to climb and distribute weight evenly against roof tiles for added safety whilst ensuring they are undamaged.
What are roof ladders?
Roof ladders are ladders specifically designed for use on pitched roofs. Utilising ridge hooks and wheels, you can roll your ladder into place without damaging the roof tiles and use the ridge hook to fix itself into the apex of the roof.
The roof should have a roof-pitched angle of between 25 and 45 degrees, don’t use a roof ladder outside of this range or else it won’t work as it should and you’ll be in danger of falling. The ladder must be the right length for the job, if too long it can overhang the roof edge by so much that it becomes unbalanced. If too short, accessing the ladder will require stepping onto the roof itself which could increase the risk of damage to tiles and slipping off.
It’s important to remember that the roof must be capable of supporting the weight of the ladder and the user. Some sheet roofing such as polycarbonate and other lightweight roofing systems might not be suitable so know your roof first. Roof access should only be attempted when you’re certain the roof itself is safe.
What is a double-section roof ladder?
Our range of roof ladders is specially designed to suit multiple roofs. That’s why we also offer a double-section ladder for roofs for industrial-scale projects. They work exactly as regular roof ladders do, only they’re twice as long and are guaranteed for a lifetime because of the need for them to withstand frequent use.
How do I use roof ladders safely?
Starting from the base of the building:
- Carry the roof ladder – Carry the roof ladder to the roof using another ladder, typically an extension ladder. Ensure that it follows schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
- Place the roof ladder – Place it at the base of the roof eaves with the wheels facing upwards, and ridge hook at the top.
- Secure the hook – Flip the ladder over to the hook and engage securely on the opposite side of the pitched roof ridge.
- Using the roof ladder – Ensure the roof ladders’ bearers rest evenly across the tiles, distributing their weight evenly to prevent damage. Climb the roof ladder using the three points of contact rule, and perform all tasks without overreaching or placing excessive weight in any one area to ensure stability.
- After use – Reverse the process, removing the ladder by unhooking and rolling it back down to the eaves of the roof.
What kinds of roof ladders do you provide?
BPS Access Solutions offers two roof ladders:
- BPS Professional Section Roof Ladders
- Construction – Manufactured to BS2037, or class 1, industrial standard. It has superior strength and quality to standard roof ladders.
- Design – Made up of two sections for easy storage and transportation.
- Hooks – Equipped with a heavy-duty ridge hook featuring rubber-coated bumpers, keeping attached to the roof safely.
- Wheels – Large wheels on hooks, allowing effortless positioning.
- Support – Rubber-coated support bearers exist to distribute weight evenly, protecting roofing tiles.
- Rungs – Non-slip rungs, allowing you maximum grip.
- Weight rating – Supports up to 175kg.
- BPS 2 Section Professional Roof Ladders
- Material – Aluminium-made roof ladder, high strength with low weight.
- Sections – Sliding two-section design, ideal for compact storage and transport.
- Ridge – Heavy duty, galvanised steel hooks with aluminium crossbars.
- Wheels – Oversized wheels for effortless movement into position.
- Support bearers – Coated with PVC, these support bearers apply even weight distribution.
- Rungs – Non-slip and ridged, these rungs provide high safety when climbing.
- Weight rating – Supporting up to 150kg.
What personal protective equipment should I wear when using roof ladders?
When carrying out work at height on a roof it’s essential to wear the right clothes to keep you as safe as possible. This includes the following:
- Appropriate trousers – working on a roof means protecting your legs from any cuts, grazes, and splinters so it’s not a good idea to wear shorts.
- Protective footwear – steel toe caps (or a suitable equivalent) are needed to protect against any dropped objects. Also, midsole protection is required to prevent puncture by nails and other sharp materials.
- Safety helmets – there are two reasons to wear a safety helmet for roof work. Firstly, it can help to protect you from anything that may fall off the roof, when climbing up or down or when on the ground. The second reason is to protect you in case of a fall.
- Safety glasses – these should always be worn in situations where material can fly into the eyes. This includes all cases where cutting or sawing is needed.
- Knee pads – you should consider these to protect your knees from strain and damage, as a result of compression and wear on the joints from the roof work.
- Seasonal safety – think about both summer and winter working conditions when selecting your roof work clothing. In summer, it’s important to wear sun cream to protect you from sunburn and skin damage. In winter, warm clothing that still gives you freedom of movement should be worn, such as fleece and jackets, hats, and gloves. Being cold can increase your chance of a fall as it numbs sensation which can cause a loss of grip as well as stumbling or tripping over.
You should be extra cautious when using roof ladders in different seasons, making sure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself from additional risks.
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Best Quality Guaranteed
Your safety first! We ensure all our products are independently tested in accordance with all relevant standards for your peace of mind, furthermore we offer a free no quibble lifetime guarantee.
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All of our friendly staff are trained to the highest standards and will be able to assist you with any query before you buy. We also have a celebrated after sales service for any help you may require after your purchase.