In the UK there are three categories of ladder & stepladder: Industrial Duty (Class 1)Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 175kg (27.5 stones). This will sometimes be referred to as "safe working load". Trade Duty ( EN131 Previously Class 2)Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 150kg ( 23.5 stones) Domestic Duty (Class 3)Ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 125kg (19.5 stones) Please note that the use of the term "Duty Rating" will be used on some ladders and websites where Class 1 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 130kg and Class 3 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 95kg. British Standards published these figures many years ago and they are not an accurate guide to the Safe Working Load. The "Maximum Static Vertical Load" is a more useful measure and gives a more accurate guide to relative strengths. Please note that all standards or kitemark is only a minimum standard. In the UK there are many approved and kitemarked ladders and steps which only just pass the tests.There are also several types of ladders, which are not covered by any standard - Roof Ladders and Warehouse Steps for example. These are usually normally made of Trade or Industrial materials, but cannot be kitemarked because no BSI kitemark applies to them. |
