Knowing your Ladder Kitemarks

Before investing in a ladder, understanding the different certifications—domestic, trade, and industrial—is crucial to ensure safety and suitability for your specific needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Ladders are classified into three standards: domestic (BS2037 Class 3), trade (EN131), and industrial (BS2037 Class 1).
• Each type supports different maximum loads, with industrial ladders supporting the most weight, suitable for heavy-duty site use.
• Choose a ladder based on the frequency of use and the environment in which it will be used to comply with safety regulations.

What should you consider when choosing a ladder certification?

When choosing a ladder, consider the environment in which it will be used and the load it needs to support. Industrial ladders are strongest, followed by trade and domestic standards, each with specific load capacities and suitable uses.

Before you purchase a ladder, it’s important to know the different types of certifications and which one is right for you, such as the environment in which you will be using the ladder. Ladder Kitemarks have three different categories of standards that the equipment must meet; domestic, trade, and industrial.

Industrial – BS2037 (Class 1)

The Industrial classification is one of the strongest types of ladders and step ladders that you can buy. Specially designed for on-site use, industrial ladders are the best option for someone who spends most of their time working on industrial sites. However, this type of ladder is not necessary for carrying out DIY work around domestic environments.

Maximum Static Vertical Load: 175kg/27.5 stone

Trade – EN131

Formerly known as BS2037/Class 2, the trade standard is one of the most popular ladder certifications in the UK. When purchasing these ladders, EN131 is the certification you need to look out for. This is how you will be sure that the ladder meets the safety requirements for trade and domestic use.

Maximum Static Vertical Load: 150kg/23.5 stone

Duty Rating: 115kg/18 stone

Domestic – BS2037 (Class 3)

Domestic is the lightest standard in the UK. Ladders that fall into this classification should only be used occasionally, and not used in industrial and trade environments. As well as being a risk to your health, it would also go against Health and Safety Regulations.

Maximum Static Vertical Load: 125kg/19.5 stone

Duty Rating: 95kg/15 stone

Here at Strip Curtains Direct, we have a wide range of access equipment, including ladders and step ladders that are all certified to its appropriate standard. This ensures that we provide our customers with safe and secure equipment.

To find out more information or to place an order give our team a call today on 0333 999 7171.