12 Days of Ladder Safety this Christmas

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Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for ladder users – both at work and at home. This year you can download your 12 Top Tips for Ladder Safety at Christmas from The Ladder Association website. As part of their “get a grip” campaign, they highlight the top dangers when working off a ladder.

In the next few days and weeks, Christmas decorations will be going up all over the country. Therefore it is essential that your Christmas lights installation is planned and organised using a ladder which has been properly inspected and maintained prior to use.

If ladders are used safely and sensibly, wisely and appropriately, especially in the home where they might only be used once or twice a year, there is no reason why your festive fun should be ruined by a fall from height.

The pack covers issues such as positioning, stability, maintaining a firm handhold, and the dangers of overloading and overreaching. Similar advice is given for stepladders, plus guidance on the need for a pre-use check to quickly establish whether the stepladder is safe for immediate use.

See below some of the check we recommend you carry out:

Maintenance checks before use:

  • Check that the stiles (uprights) are not bent, bowed, twisted, dented, cracked, corroded or rotten
  • Check that the stiles around the fixing points for other components are in good condition
  • Check that fixings (usually rivets, screws or bolts) are not missing, loose, or corroded
  • Check that rungs are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged
  • Check that the rung hooks are not missing, damaged, loose or corroded and engage properly on the rungs
  • Check that guide brackets are not missing, damaged, loose or corroded and engage properly on the mating
    stile
  • Check that rubber feet / end caps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged
  • Check that the entire ladder is free from contaminants (e.g. dirt, mud, paint, oil or grease)
  • Check that locking catches (if fitted) are not damaged or corroded and function correctly

If any of the above checks cannot be fully satisfied you should NOT use the ladder.

You can download the 12 Days of Ladder Safety pack directly from the Ladder Associations website here: https://ladderassociation.org.uk/get-a-grip/



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

Wooden Ladders Vs Aluminium Ladders

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In this post we will delve into the differences between Wooden ladders and Aluminium ladders. Have you ever struggled with a heavy timber ladder? If so, then you know that setting up a large one, such as a two or three sections can be difficult for one person to handle. Many people have discovered that switching to lightweight and durable aluminium ladders is a good solution. However, there are a few points to be aware of when considering an aluminium ladder. This post will cover the main benefits of ladders made from Aluminium.

Aluminium Ladders: Key Features

If you’re shopping for an aluminium ladder, then the best way to find one that is well suited to your needs is to be familiar with the properties of the metal from which they’re made. Whether it’s a step ladder, loft ladder, an extension ladder or one of those handy multi-purpose ladders, choosing one made from aluminium is right for a number of reasons. First, make sure that the ladder you buy is resistant to rust and corrosion, like an aluminium ladder. Unfortunately, timber ladders require a certain amount of maintenance and should be stored indoors.  An aluminium ladder, on the other hand, can be stored outdoors with no ill effects. This is an important feature, especially for people with limited space. A ladder made from aluminium also is very easy for a single person to handle. Here are just a few of the characteristics of aluminium that make it a highly suitable material for ladders.

Aluminium Ladders: More about This Metal’s Essential Characteristics

Aluminium is much lighter in weight than timber or glass fibre, the two other materials from which ladders are typically made. Glass fibre for example, is very dense. This density makes it quite heavy as well. Timber ladders are heavier than aluminium models and, as previously mentioned, shouldn’t be stored outdoors. Both timber and glass fibre are prone to splitting. Another positive characteristic of aluminium is that it doesn’t burn. Fire fighters often opt for aluminium ladders specifically for this reason. In addition, such ladders are highly durable. Glass fibre ladders may crack if subjected to a heavy load or substantial stress. Aluminium, although it’s a metal, will never rust. Wise tradesmen, industrial users and DIYers choose ladders made from aluminium because it’s completely maintenance free and highly affordable. In fact, an aluminium ladder usually is less expensive than either a timber or glass fibre one. The process of manufacturing one isn’t as complex as either timber or glass fibre models, so the price tends to be lower.

Aluminium Ladders: Further Highlights of the Metal from Which They’re Made

Without getting too technical, we can say that aluminium possesses a unique range of properties that make it an incredibly versatile material for construction and engineering properties. Even when alloyed with other metals, aluminium lends strength that’s comparable to structural steel. Aluminium alloys are highly durable and extremely resistant to oxidation, meaning that any reaction is completely non-toxic and non-staining. In addition, aluminium will not react with metals with which it may come in contact. So, it’s perfectly acceptable to store these ladders outdoors. Aluminium is over 50% less dense than iron and about 75% less dense than copper.  Some aluminium alloys have tensile strengths as high as 30,000 psi, so there’s no concern about the ability of such materials to bear significant weights. It’s possible to double aluminium’s tensile strength by working it, such as in a cold rolling process. One shortcoming of an aluminium ladder would be that it will conduct an electric current. Therefore, for working around electrical sources, it’s better to use a timber or glass fibre ladder. Aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor as well, so a ladder made from it might feel warm or hot to the touch if exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Aluminium Ladders: More Important Properties

The process by which a ladder is manufactured generally requires different types of joining. An aluminium ladder benefits from several types of joining process, including soldering, brazing, welding and riveting. In addition, aluminium fasteners facilitate the assembly of a wide range of products. It’s also possible to use an adhesive bonding process to join aluminium to itself or to other materials. Aluminium lends itself to the extrusion process by which ladder stiles and rungs are made. Aluminium is non-toxic and for this reason is widely employed in cooking utensils and vessels. These characteristics make aluminium foil an ideal material for storing perishable food items. Aluminium will not spark when struck against itself or against other non-ferrous metals. It’s also non-magnetic, so it’s well suited for use in enclosures for magnetic equipment. When polished, aluminium will reflect about 80% of light. Aluminium is a supremely workable material. It can be extruded, cast, rolled, drawn, stamped or spun. It also lends itself well to forging and hammering and thin aluminium wire can be wound into cable. Aluminium alloys are easy to machine, which results in high-quality parts and products with an affordable price. Aluminium can also be milled, turned or bored. Other joining techniques include bolting, bonding, welding, screwing and riveting.

Aluminium Ladders: Final Thoughts

Perhaps the leading characteristic of aluminium ladders is that they have a superior strength-to-weight ratio. This makes an aluminium model easy to transport and store as well as much less expensive to produce than ladders made from other materials. Aluminium products, such as ladders, can weigh as much as 50% less. When used in place of copper in electrical wire and cable, it’s important to note that aluminium is much less dense than copper, which means it has about half the current carrying capacity. Finally, aluminium is highly recyclable, and recycling it needs just 5% of the energy needed to extract aluminium from its ore, bauxite.

Aluminium ladders are designed to exploit the many positive properties of this important metal.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

History of the Trusty Scaffold Tower

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michelangelo scaffolding sistine chapelWhen were scaffold towers invented?. Many people think that Scaffolds are a recent invention, where in fact they were used in ancient Greece at least 500 years BC. Records of ancient cultures in Egypt, Nubia and China indicate that these cultures used scaffolds extensively. Many early African cultures made use of scaffolds too. To reach the apex of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo designed his own scaffold, which was unique because instead of being deployed on the floor, he built his scaffold on brackets that were fitted into holes near the top of the chapel’s windows.

To help working at height, a scaffold tower is often used instead of scaffolds. These are free-standing systems that are easy to move and adjust. A typical scaffold tower is fitted with castors that allow it to be moved quickly and easily. The castors lock securely into place when the tower is in use. Work platforms are accessed by internal ladders.

Scaffold Tower Components

There are three major components of a scaffold tower: bars, frames and platforms. The bars and frames, which are usually made from aluminium or steel, provide the framework for the tower. Aluminium tubing is preferred because it’s light weight and highly resistant to corrosion. The bars are components that join the frame sections together. In many modern tower scaffolds, nuts and bolts are not needed, and a tower can be set up quickly by one or two people. Once the tower structure is erected, the platforms that provide the tower’s working surface are fitted. These are made from seasoned wood, and come in a variety of thicknesses. Their length can vary, with the maximum being approximately 2.5m.  Other platform materials include steel, aluminium or laminate boards.

Every scaffold tower should be fitted with a guardrail system. In fact, standard rails are required on all towers. Install the rails at both ends of every platform and along all open sides of the structure. Always perform work from a platform, not from its ladder or other parts. Do ensure that the platform’s safe working load will accommodate both the worker and any tools and materials being used. In addition, platforms must be locked / secured to the horizontal bars in the frames to prevent dangerous uplift.

Scaffold Towers: The Importance of Regular Inspections

Before using a scaffold tower on a building site / industrial setting, a competent, qualified person should perform a safety inspection. This is especially important for newly erected structures.  An inspection is also needed if there have been extensive alterations to the tower or if there has been an event that might compromise its integrity. If a tower is left in place for more than seven days, it’s wise to re-inspect it. If an inspection uncovers any parts or components of the tower that are deemed unsafe, the defect should be clearly marked. The tower should not be used until the condition is resolved by repair or replacement of the defective part. Only the manufacturer or a person designated by the manufacturer should be authorised to perform repair tasks.

Scaffold towers should be used as a method for working at height for extended periods.

 



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

How safe is your loft ladder?

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Have you ever struggled to carry a heavy or bulky item up to your loft? Chances are, then, that you may have noticed how rickety and inadequate your current loft ladder is. Loft ladders don’t always seem to be designed for heavy or frequent use. If this is the case with yours, or if you’re considering upgrading your loft from storage space to living space, there are a number of important issues to consider. It’s wise to have a plan because if you’ve ever tried to do a major home renovation without one, then you’re very well aware how difficult it can be. Many people in your position have successfully made better use of their loft space by upgrading their loft ladder. This post will explain why such an upgrade is the first thing you should do, and how to take the correct measurements so that it’s done right.

Loft Ladders: Key Features to Consider

If you’re shopping for loft ladders, take a few minutes to think about how you’re using the space now, and how it might be used in the future. The ideal way to ensure you acquire the right ladder for your particular needs is to do some research on what sort of loft ladder will be adequate for your specific needs. Be sure that your new loft ladder will allow you to make the best possible use of the space. If it doesn’t, then it’s not likely that you’ll fully exploit your loft’s potential. A strong and sturdy loft ladder is essential, because safety is the primary concern. You should also think about the maximum load the ladder will bear. This is the total of your weight plus the weight of the heaviest object you plan to move to or from the loft. While not strictly necessary, you might want to look for a ladder with bonus features like rubberised feet that prevent slipping and damaging your floors and carpet and handrails for extra security.

Loft Ladders: The Correct Measurements are Essential

Too often, it happens that a homeowner orders a loft ladder, only to find that it’s not quite the right size. Here’s a brief run-down on the key measurements you’ll need. In general, a good place to start is with the floor to ceiling height.  This is the vertical distance from the floor where the base of the ladder will sit to the ceiling of the room. This dimension is particularly important if you’re planning on installing a folding-style wooden loft ladder with integral hatch or concertina loft ladder.  Another important dimension is the floor to floor height. This is the vertical distance between the floor where the bottom of the ladder will rest and the floor of the loft. If you’re planning on fitting a sliding type ladder, this dimension is especially important. Compare your measurements with the minimum and maximum values cited for the loft ladder you’re considering.  Do be aware that although the ladder can be slightly adjusted, it’s best to choose one that closely conforms to your measurements.

Loft Ladders: More Important Dimensions

Whether you have an existing hatch or need to fit one, pay special attention to the ladder’s loft opening specification. For a ladder designed to go into an existing loft hatch (typically sliding and concertina designs) you will need to consider the minimum length and width of the hatch to find out if it will suit you.  If you are looking at a ladder which comes with its own hatch you will need to consider the outer frame dimensions. If it’s bigger than your existing hatch, then it’s a simple matter to enlarge the opening.  If it’s smaller, you’re likely to need a bit of framing done to ensure a good fit. Here’s a typical example: Let’s say you’ve measured your loft opening, and the size is 1100mm x 600mm. When shopping for a ladder, you find one that needs an opening of 1100mm x 700mm. This ladder will fit quite nicely with a little bit of work to the length of the hatch. You also need to consider both vertical and horizontal clearance.

Loft Ladder: Clearances are Critically Important

Vertical and horizontal clearance describes the distance in the loft between the hinged edge of the hatch vertically and horizontally to any nearby obstruction that you aren’t able to alter or relocate. This measurement takes into account the distance (arc) that the ladder must pass through to be fully deployed and resting on the floor. The bottom section of a two-section folding loft ladder, for example, describes an arc when it’s folded down toward the floor.  Also, measure the swing clearance, which is the distance from the loft hinge end to the end of the loft hatch to the nearest obstruction, which usually proves to be a wall. Finally, the ladder’s landing space should be considered. This is the distance from the hatch’s hinge to the place on the floor where the ladder’s feet rest, once it’s fully extended. Measure this distance horizontally along the floor.

Loft Ladders: Timber or Aluminium?

If the loft ladder is to be used in an area where it will be seen, then its appearance is important. For such applications, a timber ladder is the best choice. Such a ladder can be painted or stained to match the surrounding decor. If cost is a concern, then it’s wise to consider a loft ladder made from light and durable aluminium. Whilst an aluminium ladder isn’t as attractive as a timber one, the price is likely to be lower. It should be possible to find an aluminium loft ladder for about £70 for a sectional folding model. If you opt for the retractable concertina style ladder, expect to pay about £160.  A concertina ladder is a good choice for applications where either loft or floor access space is limited.

With all the types of loft ladders available, you’re sure to find the right one for your unique needs.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

Extension ladders which offer the very best safety features!

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We are very proud of our extension ladders which offer the very best safety features available on the market today. An extension ladder is the ladder of choice for many householders and tradespeople alike due to its versatile nature. Buying your extension ladder from BPS Access Solutions will ensure you will own an extension ladder that leads the way. Not only do we consider the quality materials your ladder is constructed with, we also consider extensively the design and usability of our ladders.

BPS – Leading the way in design

The BPS Access Solutions extension ladder is a 3 section ladder. This makes it easier to store as the ladder will be more compact thus making it easier to transport. Many tradesmen buy this ladder from us as it folds up neatly to transport on a smaller van such a Transit Connect.

If you have been shopping around for the perfect extension ladder, you may have noticed some extension ladders are sold as a 2 section equivalent. Although the price on these may be cheaper, they will not have the same versatile qualities as our extension ladder has. Furthermore consider what your needs will be for this ladder. Our extension ladders are ideal for use around the home and are also strong enough to be used by tradesmen. Check the certification of the ladder. Both our extension ladder ranges are certified with either EN131 tested and certified (Trade and DIY use) or British Standard Kitemark (BS 2037 Class 1) rated for trade/industrial use. These certifications exist for your safety and reassurance. If you are a trades person and use your ladder extensively (excuse the pun!) for your work, we would recommend our industrial extension ladder.

BPS – Leading the way in safety

Our extension ladders lead the way thanks to our innovative and vital safety features that are not found anywhere else. In particular we would like to draw to your attention to our

  • Marketing leading integral stabiliser bars fitted for maximum grip and safety. We are yet to find any other ladders that offer such a large footprint as our own. Our stabiliser bars give you unparalleled stability.

You can also be assured of our other market leading safety features and would urge you to compare to other similar models you may find elsewhere. Before you purchase are you getting:

  • Red auto locking clamps designed to lock ladder sections firmly in place both when in use and when being transported.
  • Extra large heavy duty box section stiles/sides which are exceptionally strong and built to last.
  • Extra wide non-slip rungs with perfect twist proof rung joints that run all the way through the side sections.
  • Extra strong nylon restraint straps and notches which ensure you have the correct rung overlap between sections, eliminating dangerous bounce as you climb the ladder.
  • Overlapping rubber feet which ensure 100% stability and maximum grip on all sections – floor surfaces, top and on all sections which maximises grip on floor surfaces and walls.
  • Easy to climb – rungs are set only 265mm apart ensuring ease and comfort as well as safety when climbing.

So with all these features, your ladder will cost me a fortune we hear you say

Absolutely not! (music to your ears, no doubt!) Our prices are the most competitive found on the market and to ensure we offer you the best deal, we check our competitors price daily and include free next day delivery as standard to mainland UK.

BPS Leading the way in quality

We have a size of extension ladder available for every home and every job ranging from 4.07m to 10m. Put an end to humping around or expensive transportation costs too. This ladder is constructed from ergonomically designed lightweight alloy for ease of use. However it is very strong and holds a massive 23.5 stone, with our industrial extension ladder holding up to a colossal 27.5 stone. Both versions of our extension ladder are operated by an effortless push up operation.

Conclusion

We are so proud of our extension ladders and firmly believe you will not find anything better on the market. We know because we have carried out market comparisons. This coupled with our celebrated after sales service and our lifetime guarantee as offered as standard on every ladder purchased, we truly don’t believe we can be beaten on design, safety or quality.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

Loft Ladders, Loft Stairs and Loft Conversions: Understanding the Many Building Regulations

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Loft LaddersJust do a quick internet search on building regulations in the UK and you will see a confusing myriad of UK local authority laws that govern the use and erection of loft ladders, loft stairs and loft conversions. For example, why must loft stairs conform to building regulations, while there is no such requirement for loft ladders? This is because local authorities see the installation of a stairway as the beginning of a process to use a loft as a living space, rather than storage space. In this case, the regulations are more stringent. Loft areas that are used for storage generally aren’t accessed often. This is different from accessing a loft that’s been converted into living space that people will need to access frequently, such as a sleeping or study area. With more frequent use comes a greater chance of an accident. So, the enhanced building regulations exist to prevent injuries and to ensure the conversion proceeds according to all relevant rules and standards.

Nowadays we seem to have more possessions than we could ever use. Even items that aren’t particularly useful have monetary or sentimental value that often prevents us from discarding or donating them to a charity shop. If you need to store such items in your loft for infrequent access, a loft ladder will be the lowest cost and lowest hassle solution.

A Few Details on Applicable Building Regulations

Escape or ‘egress’ during a fire is one concern many local authorities have regarding loft ladders and loft conversions. If the space is used as a bedroom, this becomes a prime consideration because a person can escape more quickly by way of stairs than a ladder. For this reason, any loft stairs you install come under the purview of your local authority. Some homeowners claim that installing stairs simply gives easier access to a loft that’s being used for storage, but once the stairs are there, most local authorities recognise the loft’s potential as a living space. Though this often is not directly stated, the fact is that a loft almost always transforms into a habitable area when stairs are installed, and the rules are there to prevent injury and misuse.

Undertaking a Conversion Project

Whilst it’s not strictly necessary, we do recommend that you obtain a copy of the rules that apply to your project and read them thoroughly. What you’ll discover is that the regulations are highly detailed. The regulations we’re discussing are those that apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, they’re different. So, what exactly are building regulations? Well, they set out the minimum standards that are allowed for construction and design. For loft conversions, there are five main categories. Structural stability, fire safety, ventilation, access method and insulation.

About Structural Stability

If you plan to use the loft for living space or to store particularly heavy items, it’s likely you’ll have to reinforce existing ceiling joists or install entirely new ones. You’ll also need to ensure that load-bearing walls are adequately strong to support any increased weight. The same is true of loft ladders. They must be substantial enough and conform to all regulations. Many homeowners opt to install steel beams designed to support the enhanced joists. Also, evaluate the roof to ensure whether or not it should be reinforced or altered to conform with the loft conversion’s design.

About Fire Safety

Fire regulations are the strict and rightly so. It’s imperative that any loft conversion fully conforms to all applicable fire and safety regulations, including those related to fire doors. The converted loft’s walls and floor must have the ability to resist fire for thirty minutes. If you’re using glass in the conversion, it must be fire-resistant as well. Be sure to provide a method of egress by way of a protected stairway. In the past, escape windows were considered adequate, but the regulations no longer allow them, except in very narrowly defined applications. You’ll also be required to install fire alarms that are operated by mains power.

About Ventilation

Be sure you understand the terms “rapid ventilation” and “background ventilation” when undertaking a loft conversion. To provide rapid ventilation, you’ll have to install a window with a size that equates to 1/20th of the loft’s floor area. If the converted space will become a bathroom, mechanical ventilation that extracts 15 litres per second is required. The roof must be ventilated to prevent moisture condensation, along with both the eaves and ridge. Finally, an airspace of 50mm minimum must be allowed between the roof and any insulation you might install.

About the Access Method

Many homeowners underestimate the cost of a loft conversion. So, when it comes to choosing an access method, they choose affordable loft ladders over staircases. Be aware that building regulations tend to be quite strict and detailed regarding loft access, but choosing a loft ladder over a staircase can save substantial sumsif you are just creating a storage area.

About Insulation

For a loft to provide truly useful space, it should be thoroughly insulated. In fact, the building regulations and relevant amendments require that the loft, along with any new internal walls, must be insulated.

Just a Few Examples of Building Regulations

The building regulations are highly detailed, so be sure you have a good understanding before beginning the conversion. Here are just a few examples of how you’ll have to conform.  Since 2005, domestic electrical work is controlled under Part P of the regulations.  Beams must not bear into chimneys or the party wall between chimneys. A party wall is a structure that is placed on the border between two properties. It’s important to be careful in these cases, since disputes with neighbours can arise due to the wall being a party feature. The only non-fireproof interior door that’s allowed in a loft conversion is the one that accesses a toilet or bathroom.

As you can see, choosing loft ladders is perhaps the easiest decision you’ll need to make to access your loft space safely and effectively.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

How to use your ladder Safely

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Many people worry about using a ladder. This can be for a number of reasons, for example, height can be a barrier or just the worry that not having two feet firmly on the ground will cause them to less balanced. The truth is using a quality ladder which is being used safely and for the right purpose, is the perfect tool for working at height.

In fact, accidents on ladders often occur because risks were taken in the first place – over reaching or placing the ladder in an inappropriate position are the most common causes of accident.

Take care when assembling your ladder

Never rush setting your ladders up. Make sure the locking mechanisms are engaged. Rushing to assemble your ladder could mean that the ladder collapses whilst in use. Rushing from a leafy area into a dry space could mean the ladder slips due to leaves still attached to the ladder feet. A simple check over before ascending your ladder could avoid this terrifying scenario.

When to carry out checks on your ladder

A good quality ladder will last you for many years to come, however it is still vitally important that you, as the user of the ladder carry out a pre-use check on your ladder:

  • at the start of every working day.
  • if something changes such as moving the ladder from a dirty area to a clean area, or if the ladder is dropped etc.

Never take someone elses word that the ladder is safe, always be certain yourself that your ladder is safe before using it.

Never assume that the ladder is safe. Damage can occur during storage or transit that you may be unaware of.

Never consider using a ladder when you feel it may be unsafe. If the ladder is your own, then the outlet from which you replaced it should be able to assist with the replacement of parts which have failed. Here at BPS Access Solutions, we offer a free lifetime guarantee on all of our ladders.

If you do not have a guarantee on your ladder, then the safest option is to replace it.

Never use a ladder which you feel is unsafe.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

Work Safer On Scaffold Towers

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tie tower to a rigid structure

It may come as no surprise to learn that yet again falls from height continue to result in life changing or fatal injuries in the workplace.

In June 2018 The Health and Safety Executive report that Jhanade Ryan slipped on a roof, sliding down to the edge protection. The toe board of the edge protection snapped and he fell through the scaffold, landing on a sub-station flat roof. He sustained a fracture to his spine, a broken coccyx and nerve damage. Mr Ryan was in hospital for almost three months and is now unable to work due to ongoing mobility issues.

The investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the scaffolding company had not erected the scaffold to a known industry standard or design.

Unfortunately such accidents are showing no signs of abating despite the numerous warning issued by the health and safety executive. Scaffolding and scaffold towers are highly dangerous if they are not erected correctly. In addition, even a correctly assembled scaffold tower will be dangerous if it is not used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and not designed for the work intended.

The tragedy is, many accidents could be so easily avoided. Working from height always carries a risk and without careful thought and consideration given on how best to carry out the required job is inevitably going to lead to serious accidents.

For more information on working safely on a scaffold tower, view our Scaffold Towers page here: https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/acatalog/Scaffold-Towers.html

Source: http://press.hse.gov.uk/2018/two-companies-fined-after-worker-fell-from-height/


Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

When was the ladder invented?

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home-Extension-LadderDid you know that ladders were invented Mesolithic period, about 10,000 years ago? Cave paintings found in Valencia, Spain depict two people carrying baskets or bags. They’re using a long ladder to access a wild honeybee nest and raid it for its precious content of honey. The ladder as we know it in modern times was developed by the ancient Egyptians and ancient Hebrews.

The most common type of ladder is the ridged ladder. These come in many forms including extension ladders, step ladders, combination ladders and more. To find out more about all the different types of ladders, we wrote a blog post on this back in 2012 covering them in more detail HERE.

In the blog post we cover the forms and types of ladders, safety considerations and how to select the right ladder for the job.



Ladders and Scaffold Towers are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Loft Ladders, Scaffold Towers, Aluminium Ladders, Extension Ladders , Ladder Accessories and all access equipment.

Truck it – lets use a ladder this way!

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ladder in truck Another week and another opportunity for the eagle eyed amongst us to spot another flout of Health and Safety guidelines. This week sees us in a UK town where the back of a pick up truck is being used to place a ladder in order to gain additional height.

What is wrong here – we hope we didn’t hear you say!

Of course, ladders should always be placed on a reliable surface before using them. This is for obvious reasons such as slipping or the ground itself not suitable to place a ladder such as a small area such as a porch roof.

Clearly the back of a pick up truck is a bad idea as the ladder could slip causing a serious accident or the vehicle could move or be hit whilst the ladder is in use. Securing a ladder safely is one of the most important considerations when using a ladder as failure to do so could cost you your life.

Making sure the ladder itself is long enough for the job is also important. It goes without saying really! If you do different tasks around the home or work with ladders, it will be worth your while purchasing an extension ladder which will ensure you will be able to reach most reasonable heights without compromising your safety.

It is easy for a ladder accident to occur – never take the risk

It is never a good idea to knowingly take a risk with a ladder. Ladder accidents can and do occur accidentally. Never put yourself in a position where you risk serious injury or even death. The good news is, ladder accidents are preventable – here are some tips:

  • Inspect the ladder before use

    • Whether you use your ladder occasionally or every day, check for damage before using it. Whether it’s a loft ladder or a multi purpose ladder, check it first. In December 2014, a woman was fatally injured whilst retrieving Christmas decorations from the loft. She stood on a ladder rung that had a single crack in it and it broke while she was standing on it.

    Always inspect your ladder for damage and make sure all the locks are in position before using it. Never use a damaged ladder.

  • Check the weight capacity

    • Ladders do have limitations – one of the main ones being the amount of weight they are designed to carry. It is important that the weight capacity is not exceeded. It is not just your own weight though that you need to consider – tools and materials can add to this weight significantly. If you use or carry weighty tools on your ladder such as paint pots, be sure do not exceed weight capacity as this can lead to frame failure, broken rungs and strain on the locks.

    Check the weight capacity of your ladder and ensure it is not exceeded.

  • Use a ladder correctly

    • Only use a ladder in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Never be tempted to alter or lengthen it yourself. Simple mistakes often contribute to ladder accidents – be sure to keep 3 points of contact on the ladder at all times to avoid over balancing and never over reach. If you need to reach an object that is out of reach, you will have to get off the ladder, move it, then climb up again.

  • Bad positioning

    • Always ensure your ladder is placed on a reliable surface that is free of debris such as wet leaves, gravel, sand and other building materials. Wet areas such as grass and decking can also be serious slipping hazards unless you use a gripper.

    Consider where you are placing your ladder – placing it near doors is a no no even if they are locked and beware of working near to corners. Always warn people that there is a ladder nearby to avoid a nasty accident occurring.

Accidents can be prevented

The most common injury sustained by incorrect ladder use is fractures at 32%. According to the OSHA, 100% of ladder accidents could be prevented if proper attention to equipment and user training was provided.

Ladder accidents can be prevented – you have to take control yourself! 🙂



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