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Ladders are made from different materials and in a multitude of designs to be used in a variety of circumstances. The main options are listed here.
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The aluminium alloys used in modern ladders are allow for lighter weight
and greater strength and so stand up to day-to-day wear and tear well.
They will dent and not chip or crack when subjected to severe impact.
They do not need a protective finish as they will not dry out or weather
with age or sunlight exposure. The worst that happens with age is a slow
oxidizing of the surface, which is easily polished off.
However, they do conduct electricity and heat with obvious drawbacks. |
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Fibre
glass ladders do not conduct electricity, as long as they are not wet. Fibre
glass ladders tend to be used for electrical applications. They withstand
the elements well and do not need treatments if left outside and can safely
be stored near heat sources. These ladders tend to be heavier than aluminium
ladders and unlike aluminium, fibre glass can crack under a heavy impact,
such as dropping them onto a solid surface. |
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Timber ladders
tend to be made of a combination of dense hardwoods and soft wood, such
as fir or hemlock. Hardwoods are naturally very strong and timber ladders
do not conduct electricity. However, timber ladders age more quickly than
aluminium or fibre glass ladders and need protective finishes, such as varnishes,
to preserve the life of the ladders. |
The Working at Height Directives require that the employees in your workplace know how to safely use and inspect a ladder.
Arun District Council needed to source a suitable vertical fixed ladder system for the restoration of Grade II listed Hotham Clock Tower where hooped ladders could not be fitted due to the fixed apertures of the landings. Conservation architect Barry Stow relied on Ladderstore's expertise to specify a vertical fixed ladder solution.
Safe access and egress to the top decks of double deck trailers is becoming an issue as their popularity increases. City Link approached Ladderstore with their concerns and asked if they could help design a bespoke solution that would suit both double deck trailers and single deck trailers.
City Response Limited needed to increase the awareness among its staff of safe working at height practice and to meet the legislations requirements.
Versatile, Valuable and Safe