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rosstoward  
#1 Posted : 18 March 2011 13:42:21(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

On a walk around on site today I noticed some step ladders against a wall and thought hmm they look flimsy, upon inpsecting them to ensure they were Class1 industrial, I noticed they had EN131 on the side. Now done a little fishing around on info on EN131 and all it says is light industrial or heavy duty DIY. So sparkys on a refurb job??? Am undecided. Any feedback appreciated.....

P.S. All stepladder use is risk assessed and short duration use only and USED properly..... although I will probably get a torrent of replys OOOOHHHHH Steps on site!!!! BAN THEM!!!!
SteveL  
#2 Posted : 18 March 2011 13:49:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SteveL

Are the sparkys over 150kg, that's light industrial is built to stand, but if your rules state Class1 industrial then that is what they have to have, if not what's wrong with what they are using
rosstoward  
#3 Posted : 18 March 2011 13:54:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

hmmmm I know sparkys are lazy, but never seen one that heavy!!! Anyway these things are brand new undamage and in good nick, I'm a practical person and I think our rules can be evolved to incorporate EN131 for light site use.
SteveL  
#4 Posted : 18 March 2011 13:57:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SteveL

Class1 is only 175 kg any way,
Phil Grace  
#5 Posted : 18 March 2011 13:58:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Phil Grace

I'm no expert isn't more than just the weight of the user?

Equipment such as stepladders that are used for DiY spend much of their time hanging on the garage wall, are used for short periods e.g. when decorating a room etc...and their "use" can be described as light.

In contrast isn't it the case that industrial use, by maintenance employees, contractors etc implies pretty constant or continuous in harsh environments. In such circumstances the equipment will be expected to carry heavier weights - user plus equipment, may be working in conditions where they are exposed to heat , abrasive dusts or corrosive vapours etc etc .

Surely that is what the "heavier weight" industrial standard is all about. but I guess that at the end of the day unless Industrial spec equipment is specified as "required" and/or lighter weight specifically banned a subbie can use what they want.
Phil
SteveL  
#6 Posted : 18 March 2011 14:08:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SteveL

EN 131, is a commercial use ladder and Class1 is an industrial use ladder, and quite rightly Phil it is more than the weight of the user, it is about the amount of use that they get, and the quality of manufacture,
EN131 is far more than light DIY use.
rosstoward  
#7 Posted : 18 March 2011 14:08:50(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

Yes it is more than the wieight of the user, but equipment etc shouldn't really be more than 10kg.
rosstoward  
#8 Posted : 18 March 2011 14:12:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

Damn pressed enter and hadn't finished.

Anyway as I was saying, these bits of kit are brand new, I will monitor the deteriation on them and any signs of damage or wear they are off site and Industrial Class 1 implemented.

Time will tell me thinks.......
rosstoward  
#9 Posted : 18 March 2011 14:15:59(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

stevel wrote:
EN 131, is a commercial use ladder and Class1 is an industrial use ladder, and quite rightly Phil it is more than the weight of the user, it is about the amount of use that they get, and the quality of manufacture,
EN131 is far more than light DIY use.


SOOOOOOOOOOOO..........

Would you class a sparky working on a clean internal refurb(medical centre rip out), performing light duty short duration tasks commercial or industrial???
SteveL  
#10 Posted : 18 March 2011 14:58:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SteveL

IMO commercial, but just to make sure, dont get a heavy sparky,

Is it me or is the crack getting less and less,
Must stop smokin
sidestep45  
#11 Posted : 18 March 2011 15:48:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
sidestep45

Are we sure that they manufactuer Class 1 fiberglass ladders? In the trade catalogues they all seem to be EN 131
rosstoward  
#12 Posted : 18 March 2011 16:00:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rosstoward

Not fibreglass - aluminium!!!!! although circuits are dead!! I would rather they be off mini towers, podiums or razor decks, but can't get it me own way all the time ;)
boblewis  
#13 Posted : 18 March 2011 18:07:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

My memory suggests that the EN 131 are designed for 150kg and occassional use whereas class 1 is 175kg and continuous use. I tend always to stick to class 1 on site

Bob
frankc  
#14 Posted : 19 March 2011 15:35:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc

rosstoward wrote:
stevel wrote:
EN 131, is a commercial use ladder and Class1 is an industrial use ladder, and quite rightly Phil it is more than the weight of the user, it is about the amount of use that they get, and the quality of manufacture,
EN131 is far more than light DIY use.


SOOOOOOOOOOOO..........

Would you class a sparky working on a clean internal refurb(medical centre rip out), performing light duty short duration tasks commercial or industrial???


So long as they are working on a step ladder which conforms to BS EN 131 (and obviously weigh less than 150Kg) they will be fine either way. You mentioned they were fairly new so there is little chance of them being BS 2037 (Class 3 Domestic Duty) but just make sure of this anyway.


If you decide you want fibre glass ones, you may want to check these out.

http://www.ladderstore.c...tepladders-10-tread.html



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