Extension ladders are the most popular type of ladder, and with a variety of options for height, sections and material for any job, it’s clear why they’re a fan favourite. Extension ladders have working heights from 3.5m and up, making them perfect for work at height that a stepladder may not be able to reach.
How to Use an Extension Ladder:
Regardless of the type of extension ladder you are using it is always essential to do a pre-use inspection, for details on how to conduct a pre-use inspection you can visit our health and safety blog article. After doing your pre-use inspection, to begin extending your ladder, you will want to lay your ladder on a section of firm, stable ground with the upper section of the ladder facing upwards. You then need to locate the locking clamps that keep the sections of your ladder together and release them before sliding the fly section up (the movable section) to your desired length before locking the clamps over the rung of the base section (the non-extendable part that rests on the ground) of the ladder. Finally, you will want to lift the ladder off the ground and position it against your desired surface, ensuring it is secure, with the upper section facing out from the wall. When positioning your ladder you will want to ensure that you place the ladder 1 unit out for every 4 units that it goes upwards, this is known as the 1 in 4 rule.
The above instructions is generic information for extension ladders and you should always consult your instruction manual of the product to ensure the best way to use your product.
Number of Sections:
Extension ladders come in double and triple section options, but this doesn’t necessarily dictate the height. Both double and triple section extension ladders can reach extended heights of up to 10m, but the triple section ladders are typically more compact when collapsed. There is a slight difference in set up when it comes to a triple section ladder over a double section ladder, which is that you need to ensure you extend the upper section of the ladder, followed by the middle section to ensure a smooth setup. When purchasing an extension ladder, however many sections you choose, if it is over 3m in extended height it should have an stabiliser bar to conform to EN131 Professional standards.
Material options:
The main options for extension ladder materials are aluminium and fibreglass but which one you need will depend on the jobs you are doing. Aluminium ladders are a great lightweight option that are easy to transport and set up/take down as well as being durable enough to last for years thanks to its rust and corrosion resistance. While there are several similar features to the aluminium ladders such as sturdiness and lack of rusting/corroding, fibreglass ladders are especially great around electricity and/or extreme heat thanks to its lack of conduction and are typically the better choice if being stored outside.
Recommended Products:
There is a wide range of extension ladders in all kinds of styles, but in this section, we will talk about a few of the great options dependant on what you’re looking for specifically in your extension ladder. All selections we have recommended, have both double and triple sections too.
Extension Ladders For Businesses
The first recommendation and arguably on the best extension ladders on the market is the Lyte NELT range. In both double and triple sections, this aluminium extension ladder is designed to EN131 Professional and is built to last, so if working on construction sites or other industrial applications this is a solid choice. The Lyte NELT is our best-selling extension ladder to the construction industry.
The Werner D Rung extension ladders are also a very popular product with businesses and they’ve not been on our website too long, but rapidly increasing in our rankings to become one of the best selling ranges so far this year. The Werner brand is tried and tested worldwide and if looking for a comfortable double or triple extension ladder the Werner D rung is an excellent option.
DIY Extension Ladders
When it comes to the DIY sector, we do not have a specific range of extension ladders. This is mainly due to the standards changing to EN131 Professional and Non-Professional. To give a brief explanation, the tests aren’t a whole lot different and therefore manufacturers do not typically manufacture many products to the Non-professional standards, as they build them to pass the professional standard. With this in mind, even if buying for DIY we would recommend purchasing to the professional standards for additional piece of mind, therefore the above suggestions are still a good choice.
Fibreglass Extension Ladders
When looking for a fibreglass extension ladder, the Lyte GFNELT is another fantastic choice. If you’re looking for a single, double or triple extension ladder with non-conductive styles and wall wheels look no further. Certified to EN131 professional with 30mm rungs.
Conclusion
To summarise, there are a variety of types of extension ladder but knowing the difference between the size and material is essential to be able to choose the best ladder for your needs. Aluminium ladders are great for general use, but if you need more specific tasks done around electricals or extreme heat then a fibreglass ladder is probably best. Whether you choose a double, triple, aluminium, or fibreglass ladder it is essential to conduct regular inspections of your ladders to ensure that they are safe to use. If you’re working around poles, columns or looking to work away from the wall a stand-off is also the perfect accessory.
Should you have any further questions or require and help or advice don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01204590232 or contact us online.