New ladder regulations 2019

From January 1st, 2019 the new standards, EN131 Professional and EN131 Non-professional will come into force. The revised standards are designed to make it easier to distinguish between ladders and steps fit for use in industry and those fit for use by domestic homeowners.

1. What are the British Standards for ladders?
2. What is the 1 in 4 rule for ladders?
3. Are ladder checks a legal requirement?
4. What regulations cover ladders?
5. What BS standards must the ladder comply with?
6. How far out should the bottom of a ladder be from the wall?
7. What is the belt buckle rule?
8. What angle do you cut ladder legs?
9. What is the maximum height you can work off a ladder?
10. In what circumstances would a ladder be suitable for work at height?
11. Do ladders need to be footed?
12. Are ladders covered by Loler?
13. What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 ladder?

What are the British Standards for ladders?

BS EN 131 (the UK's version of EN 131), the single British & European product standard covering all types of portable ladders (step, extending and combination) has been substantially revised. EN131 improves ladder safety by making ladders wider, stronger and sturdier.

What is the 1 in 4 rule for ladders?

The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.

Are ladder checks a legal requirement?

Are You Meeting the Legal Requirement To Inspect Your Ladders? If you operate ladders or stepladders for work, its your legal duty to ensure they are suitable and safe for work and to conduct inspections of them as required. If an accident occurs due to operation of a faulty ladder, it can result in significant fines.

What regulations cover ladders?

While ladders are not banned by law, health and safety regulations do cover ladder requirements and ladders should only be used when it is safe to do so. In construction especially, temporary access for working at height is often required.

What BS standards must the ladder comply with?

The HSE recommend that all portable ladders and step ladders on construction sites meet the requirements of BS EN 131. BSI offers Kitemark certification on all of these ladder standards.

How far out should the bottom of a ladder be from the wall?

Use the 4-to-1 rule: Make sure the ladder is 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet/base of the ladder should be 4 feet from the wall.

What is the belt buckle rule?

A great tip to remember when using ladders is the “belt buckle” rule: stay centered and don't let your belt buckle go past either side rail. Ladders should also be protected at the base to prevent pedestrians or vehicles bumping into them. When climbing to significant heights, a fixed ladder is advised.

What angle do you cut ladder legs?

Trim Feet. If your ladder is also 80 inches, know that a 10-degree angle is what I used when I cut my feet. Height will affect the cut you make, so start with a smaller angle, and cut away more until you're confident that the ladder stands securely at an appropriate (and expected) angle against the wall.

What is the maximum height you can work off a ladder?

There is no maximum height for using a ladder. However, where a ladder rises 9 metres or more above its base, landing areas or rest platforms should be provided at suitable intervals.

In what circumstances would a ladder be suitable for work at height?

The law says that ladders can be used for work at height when a risk assessment has shown that using equipment offering a higher level of fall protection is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of use; or there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered.

Do ladders need to be footed?

Ladder feet are essential for preventing the base of the ladder slipping. Missing stepladder feet cause it to wobble. The feet should be: in good repair (not loose, missing, splitting, excessively worn, secure etc); and clean – the feet should be in contact with the ground.

Are ladders covered by Loler?

Posted By Heather Collins LOLER = lifting operations and lifting equipment, so if you mean does LOLER require ladder testing, etc, then no it does not.

What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 ladder?

Type I ladders are manufactured for heavy-duty use. c) Type II – These ladders have a duty rating of 225 pounds. Type II ladders are approved for medium-duty use.