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Posted By Brando
Got some of our office folk using cheap domestic step ladders for various tasks ( class 3 ). My understanding is they should be class 1 or am I wrong ( again! )?
Why are they using them etc etc etc yes I know that bit!
thanks
Brando
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Posted By ITK
I dont see much of a problem with class 3 ladders in an office setting, they have a rating of up to 19 stone so should be ok for changing the odd light bulb etc, but of course my estemmed colleagues may disagree.
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Posted By db
There's no legal requirement for a particular class of ladder but with average weight limit of 15-18 stone for a domestic it leaves little room for tools and materials. Add to that the light weight nature which means they are easily damaged, a good company should be looking at sturdier kit.
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Posted By MungoDundas
But then again, such steps seem much easier to handle than these foolish BS1129:1990 that many talk of...and indeed that some undertakings still require.
Maybe an effective practical solution has overtaken the BS again?
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
The term domestic should instantly warn people and organisations against the use of class 3 equipment at work. The SWL is but one aspect of the selection, the other being the regularity of use. Class 1 ladders will take a greater SWL 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year and not deteriorate - Try that with class 3 ladders.
I have seen a number of these ladders suddenly fail either by twisitng or by becoming a nice banana shape. If you have the accident the HSE will immediately look at why you selected what is domestic equipment for use at work.
If you have irregular use the BS EN standard does have a class 2 which is a derivative of the european standard. It has the same SWL as the class 1 but is not subjected to the repeated load test. Go for this if you really feel you need to save a few pounds in cash.
Bob
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Posted By andrew morris
Agree with the last post - Class 3 are a no-no in a business
PUWER (provision and use of work equipment regulations) says provide equipment suitable for use. Class 3 ladders have been tested by the manufacturer according to international or british standards and the manufacturer is only willing to say they are suitable for use in a domestic (home) setting.
There have been big campaigns by the HSE to get these out...
Use them at your peril...
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Posted By Brett Day
Apart from the legal answers the previous posters have mentioned.
Given that 2 years ago I bought a very nice pair of Class 1 stepladders from a high street diy shop (am sure you can all guess who) for about £8-00 more than a set of Class 3 then why mess about for that amount on something that isn't as well built, won't last as long and isn't really suitable for the job !!
Have just checked the site at present it would seem that the new cost is now double, but then it would last at least twice as long .
Also there is a ladder exchange scheme check out: http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange.htm
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Posted By Paul Darby
From the benefit of my experience, use class 1.
I had an incident on one of my sites where a 16 stone man used a set of Class 3 domestic steps to carry out some work. While he was on the ladders he pushed up on the objext above his head to try and move it, which exceeded the load that the steps could support and they failed. He broke his tiba and fibia and he became trapped in the twisted steps. We had to cut the steps off him with the assistance of paramedics.
Class 1 are constructed to take the rigours, and sometimes unusual practices, that occur in the workplace.
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Posted By Colin Reeves
Original question included "Got some of our office folk using cheap domestic step ladders for various tasks ( class 3 )."
Looking at accident statistics the vast majority fall into the trips/slips etc followed closely by manual handling, despite all the training.
Looking at this aspect, most offices will have a large proportion of slighter built ladies working there. There must be an argument that the lighter class 3 stepladders, if used only rarely, would be less likely to cause manual handling injuries, especially as most office staff are less likely to get such training.
Colin
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Posted By Ali
It simply depends on the likely loads imposed or the degree of use. Our organisation uses class 1, because we put them through a great deal of use - not necessarily because our staff are obese !
Ali
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Posted By Brando
Some wit has already put a sticker on which states "no fatties".
Brando
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Colin
If somebody was not fit or strong enough to move the ladders then I think they should not be using them. We slip too easily into the "it is only a short job and we only do it occassionally" mindset. Rarely used ladders are less frequently inspected and almost certainly never looked at before use, hence the comfort of the extra strength far outweighs any gain in lightness for carrying.
Bob
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Posted By Colin Reeves
Bob
A valid poinmt, but the empahasis was on little used. In my industry ladders fall under a planned maintenance regime and are inspected regularly (3 monthly from recollection) - this would uncover any inherent defects.
Colin
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Colin
I would still contend that the BS would not have used the domestic designation if it had anticipated that such equipment could be suitable for commercial use. At the end of the day the accident situation will provide the final sieve as to consequences.
Bob
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