Up Your Game with the Right Work Ladder: A 5-Step Checklist

Our goal is extremely simple, we want to take the hard work out of selecting the right work ladder, because your time is better spent. Safely working at height comes down to having the right procedures in place and ensuring you have selected the right safety equipment. Working at height can present a number of hazards, for this reason it’s important to ensure you have the right ladder for the job. Choosing the right work ladder means that you and your employees can work safely and efficiently, and help prevent any potential accidents, injuries and possibly death. Therefore, it is important to take the time to consider these five elements to make sure you choose the right ladder suitable for the job at hand. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have all the information necessary to make the right decision.

What are the 5 elements to choosing the right work ladder?

1. Height: Understanding how to choose the right height!
2. Material: Pick the right material for your worksite.
3. Capacity: Consider the load capacity and ladder performance!
4. Style: It’s all about the style.
5. Manufacturing: Not all ladders are created equal.

1. Height: Understanding how to choose the right ladder height.

One common mistake people make is to assume that the ladder will reach much higher than it does. Knowing how tall it needs to be is the first step in selecting the right ladder. There are different factors like the height of the highest support point and the amount of reach of the person, which need to be considered. The first thing you need to know is, the highest permitted standing level on a step ladder is two rungs/step from the top, while on an extension ladder it is four rungs/steps from the top, this minimises the workers chances of losing balance and falling.

Also, did you know that when using an extension/straight ladder, that it needs to protrude at least 1.0m above the highest support point and the base needs to be no greater that a 4:1 ratio, meaning the for every 4 meters of vertical height it needs to be 1m out from the vertical support, for example the roof line or wall.

Whereas for Step ladders the rule of thumb is different, the maximum height you will be able to reach is around 4 foot or 120cm to the length of the ladder. As an example, a typical person, 5’6” with a 12 Inch (30cm) reach will safely be able to reach an 8 foot (240cm) ceiling on a 4 foot (120cm) ladder.

Amplitude recommends the following reach guide to help select the right length ladder.

* Assumes a 5'6"(1.7m) person with a 12" (30cm) reach

++Support points for extension ladders reflect section overlap, ladder angle, or 3' (1m) extension above roof line.

2. Material: Pick the right material for your worksite.

The next factor to consider is which material suits your worksite. Deciding whether you need aluminum or fiberglass comes down to an assessment of the worksite and the risks involved. While Aluminum ladders are lightweight and rigid, they love to conduct electricity, therefore, they should not be used around or near powerline or other energized equipment. Fiberglass ladders might weigh a little more, but they are the suitable choice for electricians and electrical workers, due to their non-conductive properties. When it comes to composite materials in your ladders, look for purposely engineered materials, especially important in our harsh Australian conditions. For fiberglass look for ladders that use UV inhibitors within the fiberglass materials, as this is the best way to improve product life, reduce colour fading, fiber deterioration, which means your ladder will last longer.

3. Capacity: Consider the load capacity and ladder performance!

Did you know that there is an Australian Standard for the design and manufacture of portable ladders. AS 1892.1:2018 sets out the requirements for single and multiple-section ladders, multipurpose ladders, combination ladders and those special-purpose ladders made from various materials and combinations of materials. This standard provides two duty ratings for both industrial and domestic ladders, this stipulates a minimum load rating. Look for industrial ladders that have been tested to a load rating above 120kgs and domestic ladders above 100kgs. The standard also provides two stabilizing ratings: for stability and height stability. Make sure that any stabilizing devices are an integral part of the ladder and are non-removable, this may include interlocking side rails, featuring swagelock ‘D’ rung connections and gusset bracing, which provides extra strength to the base. A really good ladder will have multiple rungs with gusset bracing, look for a ladder with gussets on the top and double on the bottom rung and additional along the length of the ladder, this will ensure extra stability and avoid flex and twist in the ladder, especially under load.

4. Style: It’s all about the style.

Understanding which style of ladder best suits your worksite is the next step in selecting the right ladder. While there are many different styles of ladders and the choices can be staggering, we will focus on the four most common styles.

1. single and double step ladders
2. straight & extension ladders
3. platform step ladders
4. dual purpose ladders

Do you need a ladder that is self-supporting, do you need to reach something in the middle of a room or space, you will need a step ladder. Do you need to use both hands? This situation calls of a platform ladder. Or do you need to reach or access something on a wall, roof, up an electricity pole or other structure, than a straight or extension ladder is what you need. But if you need a little of both from time to time, then look at a dual-purpose ladder.

5. Manufacturing: Not all ladders are created equal.

It’s never truer, that locals know best, then when it comes to making a product that will stand up to the harsh Australian climate, so look for the Australian made logo. Local manufacture will know that you need to be using materials that are strong, long lasting and UV resistant. Another bonus for Australian made is that we have some of the most stringent labour, business, safety, and quality control standards in the world, providing confidence in a quality. Supporting local has benefits to both the business and the end user. Australian made products provide the customer with easy access to spare parts, repairs, and warranties. But the number one benefit to buying Australian made is that you are support the Local & National jobs, industry, and the economy.

Now you know the 5 elements of selecting the right work ladders, what's next?

We have laid out the top 5 things to consider when selecting a ladder most suitable for the job at hand, to help make your decision easier. Taking into consideration:

1. The heights you will need to reach.
2. Material of the ladder, especially if you are working around live electricity.
3. The capacity of the ladder, specifically the weight rating, always look for indusial ladders rated 150kgs or over.
4. Knowing which style is best for your job site & finally.
5. Know where it is manufactured, and if you are buying a quality product.

You are now armed with all the information you need to select the right ladder. Check out our full range of high-quality Australian Made, aluminum and fiberglass ladders. If you still need help, Dan and the team at Amplitude are here to help, call/email us today! Need more information about ladder safety, read our guide on Ladder Safety Tips and for regular updates, subscribe to our email newsletter.