Ladder Classes
THE NEW BRITISH STANDARD IS BSEN131 (2018)
The new standard is a European Certification for portable ladders and stepladders. The updated standard has two categories
EN131 Professional – ladders to be used in a commercial environment, for business ,trade or industrial use
EN131-Non-Professional – ladders to be used for home use by yourself – not a tradesman
Both professional and Non – Professional will carry 150KG maximum load
The difference is the testing procedures – Non professional ladders pass a durability test of 10,000 cycles
Professional ladders pass a durability test of 50,000 cycles
This is because professional ladders are subject to tougher durability requirements and probably going to be used daily where as non professional (diy) ladders will be used less often for lighter work.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES TO THE STANDARD ?
Extension ladders over 3.0M when closed will have a stabilisers or a wider base
Extension ladders over 3.0M when closed will no longer split in to separate sections
New Slip tests
Cycle Durability Tests
Strength of ladder in position of use
DO YOU NEED TO REPLACE/ SCRAP YOUR EXISTING LADDERS ?
If your existing ladder is in good condition and inspected on a regular basis then you can continue to use them – If you need to purchase a new ladder check that it complies with the new EN131 2018 standard. Standards are not law but you may find the construction sites and workplaces will start asking you to comply with the new standard so this may mean changing your ladder in the future. We recommend procurement policies are updated to ensure new purchase of ladders comply with the revised standard.
TRESTLES AND STAGINGS
The specification for trestles and stagings in BS1129 and BS2037 remain current until BSI revise this part of the standards
ROOF LADDERS AND WAREHOUSE STEPS
Some of these products fall outside the specification