Stepping up the ladder regulations: Are you protected?

The new regulations seek to reduce ladder accidents, improve worker safety and simplify the ladder selection process. Working at height can be extremely hazardous if the appropriate safety features are not factored in.

Previous British standards for portable ladders and stepladders, BS 2037 and BS 1129, are being revised and replaced with a single British and European standard, BS EN 131. The updated standard contains two categories: EN 131 Professional, for industrial and trade, and EN 131 Non-Professional, for domestic and DIY use. 

There are a number of changes that both companies and employees should be aware of including all ladders now having to adhere to the same minimum weight capacity of 150kg, whether it’s for domestic or professional use, and the introduction of cycle durability tests to check product durability. Extension ladders over 3m will also now be required to have a wider base to reduce slips and the risk of ladders flipping or toppling. 

Although the new standard does not apply retrospectively and ladders built to the previous standard will still be legally available on the market during the transition period, Arco encourages companies to update their purchasing policies, ensuring EN 131 professional ladders are specified when replacing existing ladders. 

In order to ensure its customers comply fully with the latest standards, Arco’s product range of warehouse steps, ladders, platforms and podiums is already compliant to BS EN 131. Arco’s experts can also provide a free-onsite survey, assessing height risks and identifying the most appropriate equipment needed for the task, whilst its Training and Consultancy service offers three informative training courses, educating staff about how to effectively work with ladders. The courses include:

• Ladder and Step Safety – This is aimed at supervisors and all employees who have to use ladders and steps.
• Working at Height – This is aimed at those required to use Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) in order to work safely at height. 
• Mobile Access Towers - Provides the correct skills, knowledge and understanding to be able to safely oversee the work of operatives on site ensuring that work is properly planned and organised and that those involved in carrying out the work are competent and properly trained, and that towers are correctly inspected and maintained. 

Arco has produced a guide and infographic on the new standards, which can be easily downloaded.