Fundamental changes

The Ladder Association has published an eight-page guide explaining what it describes as the most important changes to portable ladder standards since BS EN 131 – the single British and European product standard – was first introduced. 

The association’s free guide highlights the key changes for specifiers, users and health and safety professionals, and for managers and supervisors responsible for the safety of employees using ladders in the workplace.

These highlights include: information on how and when the changes will affect users; advice on how to ‘shop smart’ when replacing existing ladders because they are damaged or unfit for further use; and details of changes to design requirements and the two new classes of ladders.

Through its membership of the European standards committee for ladders, CEN TC93, the association has made a crucial contribution to the development of the new standards, which improve product strength, rigidity and durability; and enhances safety. 

The Ladder Association’s technical manager and chair of its technical committee Don Aers said: “The changes reflect the collective experience and expertise of many contributors over an extensive period. They improve ladder design and safety and are therefore to be welcomed.”

Standards do not apply retrospectively and gives practical, sensible advice to businesses in adjusting their purchasing policies to take account of the new standards.