Many manufacturers offer ladders that look basically the same; in design, length and construction five ladders could be almost identical save for the colour and labels.  These identifying stickers tell you what the ladder is capable of in terms of load and usage according to how they meet certain safety standards.  Currently in the UK there are different standards for domestic ladders (BS 2037:1994 class 3) and for heavy industrial use (BS 2037 and BS1129 class 1), as well as EN131 for trade and light industrial use.  This is changing in November and these old standards will be withdrawn and replaced with a new EN131 classification that will cover all types of ladder, which is part of an EU directive.  Although the UK is leaving the EU it is not anticipated that we will revert back from the new EN131 standards, as the UK has been heavily involved in developing them.

The EU directed change stems from a desire to reduce the number of ladder related accidents. It is hoped that the new standards for weight capacity and stability will mean fewer falls.  It will be hard to enforce in a domestic setting, where there are no health and safety bodies governing the use of height access equipment; this means that people can use old and unsuitable ladders with no guidance.  In a workplace setting the HSE will require that ladders used meet the new standards, but not immediately.  This means that companies can continue to use their existing ladders, but they should be replaced with new standard ladders when the time comes.  Companies who routinely use ladders would be well advised to make the changes sooner rather than later, in order to demonstrate that they have done their duty in providing suitable equipment for employees and contractors, should an accident happen. 

The new standards will have two distinctions separating domestic ladders and those intended for professional use, and they will require that additional allowances are made for stability, slip resistance, durability and strength, with all ladders now having a minimum loading weight of 150 kilos.  During the transitional period, which is expected to run until January 2018, shops can sell their old stock, and you should always ask the retailer what standards your preferred ladder conforms to.  Manufacturers will not be allowed to make any more ladders under the old standards, so before long all new ladders available to buy will fall under the new EN131.  Manufacturers will have to subject their products to more rigorous tests and introduce stabilisers on any ladder over 3 metres, as well as carrying out lengthier tests in situ. 

If you have any questions concerning the new standards and which of our ladders comply to the new EN131 please call us on 0300 303 22 99 and we will be happy to advise you.