Ladders

A-frame aluminium stepladders

Aluminium steps are made of aluminium alloy, they are lighter than timber steps, very strong, rot proof and will not twist, warp or burn.

Parts

Treads – Not less than 76mm deep, they must have a non-slip surface and be horizontal when the steps are open.

Top – Not less than 100mm deep.

Back – Attached to the top by one pair of heavy-duty back flaps.

Locking Bar – Fitted to limit the degree of opening and prevent collapse.

Feet – Fitted on the bottom of all four stiles. They must be made of a non-slip material such as rubber and be easily replaced.

Sizes

Steps are sold by the number of treads; standard sizes are between two and fourteen treads.

The examples below are the approximate working heights of the steps when open.

The top step counts as one tread.

• 6 treads – 1.4 metres
• 8 treads – 1.8 metres
• 10 treads – 2.3 meters
• 12 treads – 2.8 meters

Ladder Safety

Safety checklist

Steps should not be used if they have any of the following defects

• Broken, missing or makeshift treads
• Loose treads
• Dirty or greasy treads
• Broken stiles
• A defective locking bar.

Stepladders and folding trestles are not designed for any degree of side loading and become very unstable when they are used against the manufacturer's instructions.