Top 4 Factors To Consider Before Selecting The Right Industrial Ladder

What are Industrial Ladders?

Ladders are essential tools and are used to access the places that are hard to reach. You will find different types of ladders in the market. The light-duty (200-pound) or medium duty (225-pound) ladders are suitable for household tasks, painting projects or repair services. However, these ladders are not built for industrial tasks. The heavy duty (250-pound), extra heavy-duty (300-pound) or super-duty (375-pound) ladders are suitable for industrial applications. 

The durable and sturdy industrial ladders may be made of steel, fiberglass or aluminum alloy. The ladders made of aluminum alloy weigh less than a steel or fiberglass ladder. However, a ladder’s durability is not compromised because of the lighter weight. The scratch-proof aluminum ladders are easier to maintain since this material does not oxidize. Hence, there is no need to paint an aluminum ladder with rustproof solution when using outdoors.

Application and Benefits of Having Industrial Ladders in Your Warehouse:

The heavy-duty industrial ladders have been built for continuous use without being damaged. Their durability makes them suitable for on-site applications. You can ensure the safety of your employers when industrial ladders are used to access some parts of a warehouse. In aluminum ladders, the ladders made of T5 grade aluminum are sturdy and durable.

Therefore, you can ensure the safety of your employees when using a high-end ladder. It is essential to use ladders with rubber padding at the bottom of their legs in order to prevent accidents due to skidding. Ladders with baskets or safety cages are suitable for industrial applications. It is essential for tall industrial ladders to have a landing platform at the top.

How to Choose the Right Industrial ladder?

1. Choosing the Correct Type of Ladder

Selecting the correct style is the first step of choosing the right type of industrial ladder. It usually depends on the application, type of industry or unique requirements of a user. For example:

A) Multi-Functional / Multi-Positional Ladder:

• They can be used by general contractors, painters, repair technicians and other service providers. 
• They are useful in warehouse or factories.
• They can be folded and requires moderate space for storage.
• They can be used as step ladder, scaffolding ladder or extension ladder alongside being used in sawhorse position.
• These lightweight and durable ladders are made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy.

B) Telescopic Ladder:

• These lightweight and user-friendly ladders combine modern features with traditional design.
• Their extension and retraction mechanisms can be easily operated with the touch of a button. A telescopic ladder can be reduced to the size of a folding chair and can be easily stored.
• They are fitted with a handle for being carried around and a locking mechanism to ensure security of the users.

C) Straight Ladders:

• The straight ladders have no self-supporting structure and have to be leaned against a surface for support. The straight ladder has a reach of two feet higher than its own height.

2. Height of Ladder

It is essential to take the height of a ladder into consideration before selection. A ladder is not supposed to extend beyond a user’s reach by more than 4-5 feet. For example:

• The maximum reach of a 10 feet ladder is 14-15 feet & stands best for warehouse storage space area. However, you cannot use an 8 feet ladder to reach areas that are 14 feet in height. It may cause accident due to overreaching.
• The extension ladders have to be 7-10 feet longer than the highest contact point, such as wall or roof line. This will provide sufficient length for setup, overlapping of ladder’s sections and extension of the ladder above the roof-line if it becomes necessary.

3. Maximum Weight Capacity

This is another important feature to consider before selecting an industrial ladder. The maximum load-bearing capacity of a ladder is defined by its Duty Rating. For example:

• Duty rating of a Type-3 Ladder is 200 pounds which is suitable for household tasks.
• Duty rating of a Type-1, Type-1A and Type 1AA ladders are 250-pound, 300-pound and 375-pound respectively.

The weight of a fully clothed person, who is using the ladder, and the weight of the tools being carried by this individual have to be less than a ladder’s Duty Rating which is also useful for doing quality metal fabrication work. It is equally important to consider the applications of a ladder when considering its maximum weight bearing capacity.

4. Ladder Material

The selection of the right industrial ladder depends upon its material. For example, the ladders made of 6063-T5 aluminum or steel are extremely durable and are suitable for industrial applications. It is prudent to buy a ladder with locking wheels when selecting industrial ladders.

Earthtech Engineering can help you find the right type of industrial ladder based upon your unique needs or applications of a ladder. Do you need a heavy-duty industrial ladder with wheels and locks for safety as well as mobility or a light-duty ladder? Earthtech Engineering can cater to all your needs with a wide variety of collection of ladders for different applications.