Ladder Certification
British and European Ladder Certification Standards
Ladders used within the UK should be approved to British or European Standards. The current standards which apply to ladders are as follows...
- BS 1129:1990 (British) Applies to Timber Ladders
- BS 2037:1994 (British) Applies to Aluminium Ladders
- EN 131:1993 (European) Applies to both Timber and Aluminium Ladders
- BS 7377:1994 (British) Applies to Step-Stools
- Ladder Standard 1376 1000 (1986)
An important aspect of ladder quality and strength is the load rating - the maximum load which a ladder can safely support. Within the British Standard there are two classes of ladder - these are defined as Class 1 and Class 3.
The European Standard EN131 also specifies a safe working load which exceeds the Class 3 Standard but comes in below the British Class 1 Standard. (The EN131 standard actually covers an earlier Class 2 Light Trade Standard which is no longer used as a classification) The ratings of these standards are as follows...
- CLASS 1 (Industrial) Maximum static load - 175kg (27.5 stone)
- EN131 (European Standard) Maximum static load - 150kg (23.5stone)
- CLASS 3 (Domestic) Maximum static load - 125kg (19.5 stone)
Ladders should always be colour coded to ensure that the operator is aware of the standard of ladder which is being used. These colour codes are as follows...
- CLASS 1 : Blue
- EUROPEAN STANDARD : Green
- CLASS 3 : Red
