When working with, or near electrical supplies extra care must be taken to avoid contact with live wires, and a fibreglass ladder should always be used.  Fibreglass is non-conductive, meaning that it will not conduct electricity and allow a circuit to be completed.  This makes it safe to use around electricity where conductive metal ladders would pose a significant risk.

Not everyone follows the safety advice, however, and in September two workers were injured as the result of an electrical incident in Groveland, Massachusetts.  While the exact details are unclear at this stage, it seems that fibreglass ladders were not being used.  Two workers were up ladders working on a metal box with wires running through it, when one received an electric shock.  The shock caused him to fall from his ladder, knocking his workmate off the other ladder in the process.

Had they been using fibreglass ladders the first man would not have been shocked, as the fibreglass ladder would have insulated the current.  They also should have turned off or isolated the box from the mains supply before working on it.  Thankfully both workers received treatment at hospital for non-life threatening injuries, but the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is investigating the incident.

In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, one man was killed and another seriously injured after the iron ladder frame they were moving came into contact with a live wire.  The frame appears to be a type of scaffold tower, which the two men were wheeling into position when the incident occurred.  Video footage shows the moment when contact was made with the electrical supply, sending one of the men straight to the floor where he died instantly.  The other man was stuck to the frame, unable to let go, and towards the end of the clip flames can be seen coming from his feet.

Again this tragic incident could have been avoided by using a fibreglass scaffold tower, or by ensuring the area was free of live wires before working.  Sometimes accidents happen when people are using the right ladder for the job, but not the right ladder for the surrounding environment.  It is sadly, all too common to hear about electrocutions arising when a ladder being used for general purposes accidentally makes contact with overhead cables.

At Midland Ladders we have a wide variety of fibreglass ladders, from straight extension ladders to podium steps.  The Lyte GRP (glass reinforced plastic) straight ladders are our bestselling extension ladders and they are ideal for most straightforward electrical jobs.  With a bright blue colour they are easy to see and easy to carry, being lighter than fully aluminium ladders.  Wide base stabilisers make these secure to use, minimising the risk of falling. 

Lyte also make the Wide Step fibreglass podium steps, which provide workers with a large platform for comfort and safety during long jobs.  Double handrails and a safety chain provide extra security for climbing and working, making these a great option for anyone needing to spend prolonged periods of time working at height on electrical installations.  Werner makes a line of similar steps which are a little taller, but heavier.  They have a chunkier construction and a ten year warranty, making the Werner models an attractive option for site work on an everyday basis.

Fibreglass combination ladders are available for users needing more versatility in their equipment.  A combination ladder can be used as a straight ladder, stepladder and free-standing extension stepladder, making it ideal for anyone routinely fixing or installing lighting outdoors, or in places with high ceilings. 

Users needing extra height could consider the Werner BoSS non-conductive scaffold towers, which come in a single or double width and provide up to 9.7 metres of working height (platform 7.7 metres).  These are ideal for safely accessing high-up electrical installations, and the non-sparking, non-corrosive material means these are safe in high-risk environments like oil refineries. 

We are proud to stock a wide range of GRP fibreglass ladders, stepladders and towers for any and all applications where non-conductive height access is the name of the game.  With next day delivery available on most products, and the quality you can expect from the top manufacturers, stay safe with Midland Ladders.