Industrial Ladders
ladder is a portable set of vertical steps that allows you to climb to a higher height. Older ladders were made from rope or wood and could be hung from a higher point, nailed to or leaned against a wall. The classic ladder consists of two vertical poles called stiles and a series of horizontal steps called rungs. Most ladders are portable and can be carried or rolled from place to place. Originally made of wood, modern ladders are usually made from aluminum became of its light weight. There are also specialty ladders that are made with fiberglass which acts as an electrical insulator which is ideal for applications involving electricity, i.e., working on or near overhead electrical wires. The lastest ladder innovation is the Little Giant Ladder System which sets a new benchmark in ladder versatility.
Kinds of Industrial Ladders
Ladders come in a variety of styles or forms. The classic fixed ladder consists of two vertical stiles connected by a series of horizontal rungs. There are no moving parts and are often leaned against a wall or some other vertical surface. Extension ladders are a fixed type of ladder that is divided into two or more lengths that can be collapsed for more convenient storage. When these lengths are slid apart, they maximize the length of the ladder. More sophisticated models use a pulley system which makes it easier to extend the ladder from the ground. The step ladder is basically two fixed ladders joined together in the middle to form an inverted V and supported by stays to keep the two halves at a fixed angle. A platform ladder is a step ladder with a horizontal platform at the top of the ladder. Used for holding things, these ladders often used by painters to hold a can of paint while they paint walls and ceilings. Telescopic ladders are basically a series of concentric tubular stiles that can be slid inside each other for storage or slid apart to maximize the length of the ladder. All of the above, can be made out of aluminum or fiberglass. They can be equipped with wheels making it possible to roll them from place to place. Many of these ladders can be adjusted to suit as many situations as possible. There are also very sophisticated ladders that are a combination of styles that can be used for many different applications. These multipurpose or multiladders can be used to climb, to carry or hold things, as work benches, or even as scaffolding.
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Selecting a Ladder
Selecting the right ladder for your job involves four things: choosing the style, height, load capacity, material of construction and versatility.
Style
When it comes to choosing the right style of ladder, there are about as many styles as there are applications. Designed for a particular application, a style of ladder is chosen to ensure the highest safety and productivity. Most people are aware of the step and extension ladders. Other less known styles include the platform, telescoping and tripod ladders.
Height
Choosing the right height of ladder depends on what you might use it for and what style it is. Extension ladders, for instance, should at least be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest point of contact between the ladder and whatever it is leaning against, i.e., wall or roof. This will allow enough length for proper setup, overlap of ladder sections, height restrictions of the highest standing level, and where appropriate, the extension of the ladder above the roof line. The highest standing level is four rungs down from the top. The highest permitted standing level on a stepladder is two steps down from the top. Any higher is not safe. A person's maximum safe reaching height is approximately 4 feet higher than the height of the ladder. For example, a typical person can safely reach an 8 foot ceiling on a 4 foot ladder.
Load Capacity
Ladders are typically designed to hold a specific amount of weight. Ladders are usually rated in terms of the maximum amount of weight that it can handle. In fact some ladder manufacturers rate their ladders in terms of how much weight a single rung on the ladder can bear. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that a ladder's load capacity is greater than a person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder. Ladders are also designed to handle the demands of various applications. For example, a ladder used frequently on a construction site should be stronger and have a corresponding higher load capacity than a ladder used by a lighter person in a warehouse.
Material
There are really only two ladder materials to choose between: fiberglass and aluminum. Each material has characteristics which make it best for certain applications, or one material may simply fit the personal preferences of the user. Both materials are light making it easy to carry or move a ladder around. Fiberglass ladders are usually recommended if there is a remote chance that you will be working with electrical wires, or in a hostile environment such as exposure to certain chemicals.
Versatility
Its hard to go wrong with a ladder that can be used for a variety of applications. Versatility, therefore, has to be something to look for in a ladder. Some of the most popular brand name ladders include Werner, Little Giant and Cotterman. The Little Giant Ladder Systems are safe and extremely strong. Made from 6005-T5 aluminum, the same material used in aerospace construction, their ladders are super strong. Its their versatility, however, that is a real selling point. Capable of many different configurations, a single ladder combines 24 different ladders into one convenient system.
Ladder Accessories
Ladder Stabilizers: help to steady your ladder in those awkward locations.
Ladder Platforms: fits on top ladder rung for supporting anything from paint to people.
Ladder Leg Levelers: helps to balance uneven legs.