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.

Zarges

Zarges are special types of A-frame ladders, which have extending push-up sections to allow access higher than an A-frame ladder.

The Academy has a 14 rung set of Zarges in stock, which give the access heights below depending on its configuration.