Everybody at some point in their lifetime will need to use a ladder to access a task at a height. Whether it’s in a domestic, commercial, or industrial environment, choosing the right product and knowing how to use it safely is something people may take for granted without considering any consequences, it is widely acknowledged that falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of fatal injuries in the workplace.

The standards governing the manufacture of ladders and steps are, in the main covered by EN131. This in turn has several parts which address dimensions, material specification, testing, and labelling. A ratio between the extended height and a ladder’s base width was introduced as part of the EN131 standard. As a manufacturer, we’re committed to making sure our products meet the current standard and provide a stable product for working at a height of above 3m. This is why you see the majority of our products fitted with a stabiliser bar at the base of the ladder. A stabiliser bar is a simple horizontal bar that is used to help increase stability by widening the base of the ladder.

DOES MY LADDER NEED A STABILISER BAR?

Possibly. The first thing to do is check the height your ladder extends to. The EN131 ladder standard state that all ladders that extend beyond 3 metres tall must include a wider base. This is to help improve stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls. The safe choice is to always buy a ladder with a stabiliser bar.

As a market-leading British manufacturer with over 70 years of experience, we always put the user’s safety first. That’s why all of our ladders that extend beyond 3m come complete with a stabiliser bar as standard for maximum safety. You can complete your working day knowing your ladder meets the latest safety standards and it will help keep you safe while you're working at height. Peace of mind. Piece of cake.

CAN I ADD A STABILISER BAR TO MY EXISTING LFI LADDER?

Contact our sales team with the product code of your ladder to check first. Do not try and carry out any work without having the correct information on hand.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE CORRECT LADDER?

When choosing the correct product there are a few key things to consider. These are:

• the task itself - can I get to the place I need to be

• the environment - is it safe, do I have flat, stable ground

• and your own competence.

With many options being available, covering a variety of heights, prices, and quality, however, items that will get the user to the right height, made to the correct and current standard will do the best job for whoever is using it. All LFI ladders and steps are provided with a set of instructions and clear labels to indicate safe use, again forming part of the EN131 standard. However, it is still always down to the user to make the final decision.

This article is intended for guidance only. The reader assumes all responsibility for their actions whilst following these guidelines. To find the right product to help keep you safe when working at height, email our sales team.