Rank: Forum user 
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Are step ladders which have non metal ties (ie material such as rope) - for stopping the steps "doing the splits" - acceptable for use in the workplace for access to simple tasks such as bulb replacement?
Most new steps have metal ties although I notice that some are still availble with not metal ties, I have been told that not metal tie steps should not be used.
My opinion is that if the steps undergo a visual inspection before use (including the ties) and there is no damage then they are OK to be used.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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mungry
as you have pointed out if the condition is ok, inspected and suitable for the task then they are ok
Steve
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Rank: Forum user
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Recent experience has taught me that if the ladders do not meet BSEN 131 standards they will not be accepted by an enforcer. The best guidance is available in the W@H Regs in one of the scheduals but i dont have the regs to hand and so can not be more specific.
If they dont reach this standard and "an inspctor calls" expect them to be taken out of use immediatly.
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Rank: Forum user
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Short answer is no.
Rope ties etc whilst stopping the steps 'doing the splits' will not stop them going the other way. These type of ties are common on domestic rated ladders, most of with have a maximum vertical load of 15 stone/ ~ 95Kg which may put some of the bigger lads and lasses, and the steps at risk.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There was a ladder exchange initiative by the HSE last year (I think it has finished now) which allowed faulty ladders to be exchanged for new ones a t a knock down price. They do it every year, not sure when it is due to be rolled out in 2010. Might be worth giving them a shout and asking the question to Dave.Arden@hse.gsi.gov.uk who was responsible for the intiative. You can find more details at http://goodtogosafety.bl.../2009_08_01_archive.html
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Rank: Forum user
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IsafeUsafe wrote: Short answer is no.
Rope ties etc whilst stopping the steps 'doing the splits' will not stop them going the other way. These type of ties are common on domestic rated ladders, most of with have a maximum vertical load of 15 stone/ ~ 95Kg which may put some of the bigger lads and lasses, and the steps at risk. I think you will find there a large number of timber swing back steps that comply with European and British standards BS1129 Class 1 standard that have rope or webbing ties and would be suitable all other considerations taken in to account! I am confused as to how do steps go the other way as you put it under use conditions?
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Rank: Forum user
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Dassling BS 1129 was last up dated in 1990 and is therefore a bit out of date!! Given the present W@H regs, BSEN 131 is the minimun stardard required today.
Happy to be proved wrong.
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