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.