Platform Steps and Special Ladders

A platform stepladder, with a platform and guardrails, is needed when you must work at a constant, stable height, for example on plant or maintenance jobs, without having to lean out from a double ladder. Special ladders, such as those for barrels and vats or for lorry cabs, are needed when an ordinary ladder does not reach the point to be worked on. First assess the work point, the height and the room to manoeuvre.

Portable ladders fall under the standard UNI EN 131, which sets requirements for construction, testing and marking of ladders in various materials. Fixed ladders and access systems on building sites must comply with D.Lgs. 81/2008 (Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 on workplace safety). Check that the ladder bears the standard marking and read the user manual for the load limits set by the manufacturer.

A retractable loft ladder, such as those from Faelux or Fakro, is recessed into the ceiling and opened through a hatch, whereas a sectional metal ladder or a wooden sectional ladder is dismantled and reassembled. For frequent access the retractable type is more practical; for occasional use a sectional one may be enough. Before buying, check the free space in the ceiling and the weight of the hatch.

CSC Edilizia ladder hooks are used to rest a ladder on a roof edge or against a wall so that it remains stable. There are versions for sheet metal, flat and pitched roofs, wall-mounted and corner types, with adjustment to suit different surfaces. Choose the hook according to the shape of the roof covering and fix it following the manufacturer’s instructions.

The towers in the range, such as the Telescopica or the Picking from Svelt, are mobile work platforms, assembled by following the model manual, with braked wheels and a stable deck. Assembly must be carried out by trained personnel, following the assembly sequence and the permitted heights. Check that the locks are engaged before climbing and do not move the structure with people on it.

The collapsible rescue platforms and the Svelt multi-position modular ladder are designed for firefighters and rescue services, where rapid access is needed in emergencies. They are service equipment to be used by trained personnel. For company or site use, choose the model according to the type of work to be done.

Choose the platform stepladder according to the working height, the width of the platform and the maximum load, including operator and tools. Check the presence of guardrails, adjustable feet and safety locks on the wheels. Consider the weight as well, because a heavier ladder is harder to move on site and needs more people.

The Svelt support beam and the tripod or side legs for the IRULADDER ladder from Irudek provide support to ladders and platforms on uneven surfaces, increasing stability. They are fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and must be checked before climbing. They are not a substitute for a restraint or an anchorage where the work requires one.