Ladders are common tools of access used in several industries. These tools allow access to workers to reach elevated platforms with ease. Ladder designs gravely determine the safety of the workers as well as the business. Incorrect measures of ladder safety or non-compliance with safety guidelines can create a major issue for the business. It can lead to mishaps in the working area and can even attract heavy compensation amounts, thereby causing severe losses. Thus, choosing the right kind of ladder becomes essential. A companionway ladder or a hooped ladder is oftentimes the best choice to go for. Here are some ladders that are preferred for warehouse safety.
Hooped ladder for fall-arrest
Hooped ladders are greatly preferred for warehouse safety as they provide permanent access to elevated heights. Warehouses that store items on elevated platforms or utilise the roof of the area consider hooped ladders as an integral part of safety. These ladders are developed to comply with NEN-EN-ISO-14122-4 safety standards. Thus, these are oftentimes also installed in buildings to provide safe access routes. It is developed with a safety cage or a hoop, with a height distance of more than three metres. The rungs on these ladders allow easy climb and descent. Thus, using them in warehouse safety also ensures swift evacuation in case of emergencies. The rungs are also developed with anti-slip profiles. This implies that these structures are extra deep, thereby providing additional support during access. A hooped ladder customised for warehouse purposes also includes a resting platform every six metres. The platforms are developed using aluminium for proper balance and anti-slip effect. This is specific for ladders used to access extremely high surfaces. Thus, hooped ladders are likely to reduce the risk of accidents in warehouses and other workspaces.
Companionway ladders for flexibility
Companionway ladders are designed to provide secure access to heights below three metres. Also referred to as Ship ladders, they require an additional platform for accessing heights above three metres. These ladders offer greater safety as compared to vertical ladders as they are designed to render added stability. A companionway ladder is created with aluminium to maintain the flexibility of the ladder. These are available in both freestanding as well as permanent fixtures. A companionway ladder also uses integrated guardrail systems making it safe to access in warehouses. These ladders are easy and quick to install as they are lightweight.
Platform ladders for self-support
Platform ladders are developed with a railing on all three sides of the structure. However, unlike the companionway ladder, the rungs of the platform ladder open on the side closest to the rungs. It allows workers in a warehouse to access it from the highest point and reach surfaces that would be tough to access with other ladders. The height of these ladders is non-adjustable. These platform ladders are created with railings and have an attached hinge to ensure additional safety. These ladders provide single-side ascent and descent while the second side is used for support.
