If we conjure up a mental image of a ladder, the chances are that we see ourselves standing at the bottom of the ladder ready to climb up, rather than at the top ready to descend.  It's true that the majority of the time we ascend before we descend a ladder but there are ladders which we always descend before ascending.

 

Manhole and shaft access ladders are one such model, as they provide access down into the sewers and underground infrastructure that lies silently beneath our feet.  These ladders are fixed into place on the side of the shaft so that they can be accessed in emergencies – no-one has to remember to bring a ladder to enact an underground rescue (or in the case of Hollywood, an audacious escape).

 

Ships ladders are usually descended before they are climbed up.  From the main embarkation deck crew would climb down into the ship to access their quarters, although if we look at the ratio of descents to ascents we would see that they balance out.  In the same way as we would climb back up out of a sewer using a fixed access shaft ladder: what goes down must come up.

 

Fixed access ladders are also used in mines and other underground spaces like bunkers.  In times of war bunkers were built to provide protection against bombs and nuclear attacks, and many of these structures have been repurposed, or kept dormant should they be needed.  The Cabinet War Rooms is a good example of a subterranean complex used in the war, but due to its size conventional staircases were used to enable quicker mass access.  Smaller bunkers and regional command centres would have much more confined entrance ways with fixed ladders.

 

Fire escape ladders represent another type of ladder that is most commonly descended, and in fact never really ascended as you don't want to enter a burning building via the fire escape.  That's a job for the fire brigade, and they use their own specialist ladders.  Fire escape ladders may be single purpose, such as the portable style that hooks over a window ledge when needed, but is otherwise stowed away nearby.  They may also be dual purpose, such as roof access ladders that would also be used to escape from the roof in the event of a fire.  In some buildings it may be appropriate for people on the top floors to access the roof and descend from there rather than through the internal fire escape route.

 

Whether you're climbing down a ladder, or up one, safety is the most important thing to remember.  With a fixed access ladder you don't need to think about the safe angle to use, nor about whether the base or top are stable, but you must still pay attention to how close you are to the bottom, and maintain three points of contact at all times.  When moving your feet, both hands should be gripping the ladder and you should only take one hand off when both feet are firmly on one rung.  If you are using a fire escape or other fixed ladder that can bear the load of several people never hold on to the rungs – it is much safer to hold the stiles and avoid the risk of someone stepping on your fingers.

 

Midland Ladders have a range of fixed access ladders, including shaft ladders up to 5.6 metres in length, as well as hooped roof access ladders (for hatches or for external access).  If you're in need of a fixed access ladder, we have the best prices online and the quickest delivery services, as well as the expertise to ensure you get the right product for your needs.  Shop online or call to speak to an adviser today.