The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Safe and Reliable Ladders for Trade Professionals

Working at height is a daily reality for trade professionals, from scaffolders and roofers to facilities managers and contractors. While these tasks are essential, they come with significant risks! Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of work-related injuries in the UK.

So, how can you ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency on the job? It starts with using the right access equipment, understanding safety standards, and following best practices to protect yourself and your team.

In this guide, we’ll share actionable safety tips, explore industry standards, and explain why choosing high-quality access solutions, like those manufactured by Lyte Ladders, is key to working safely at height.

Understanding UK Ladder Safety Standards

When working at height, using equipment that meets industry standards isn’t just important, it’s an essential safety requirement. Here are the key UK standards you need to know:

EN131: The European standard for ladders, covering professional and non-professional use (BS EN131 is the British version which came into force from 2019). Ladders compliant with EN131 are rigorously tested for strength, stability, and durability.
BS2037/BS1129: Now withdrawn and replaced by EN131, however, these standards are still trusted in certain trade applications.
PASMA: Ensures the safe use of mobile towers through training and certification.
HSE Guidance: Outlines best practices for ladder use and fall protection when working at height.

Before starting a job, always check that your ladder or access equipment is compliant with these standards — your safety depends on it.

Choosing the Right Access Equipment for the Job

Using the right ladder or access solution for your specific task is critical for safety and efficiency. Here’s how to choose wisely:

Step Ladders - Ideal for jobs that require stable, low-level access, such as maintenance or indoor tasks.

Tip: Calculate your working height requirement to assess how many treads you need on your step ladder, excluding the top 3 treads.

Extension Ladders - Perfect for jobs requiring access to greater heights, such as roofing and exterior work.

Tip: Ensure the ladder is set at the correct angle (1:4 ratio) and extends at least 1 metre above the landing point for safe use.

Roof Ladders - Specifically designed for safe access to pitched roofs with hooks and reinforced stiles for added security.

Tip: Always secure roof ladders before use and avoid overloading them.

Mobile Towers - A safe solution for tasks requiring extended periods of access at height, such as construction or refurbishment projects.

Tip: Ensure proper assembly and always follow PASMA guidance for safe use.

By selecting the correct equipment, you reduce risks and improve efficiency on-site.

Safety Tips for Working at Height

Here are practical steps to ensure your safety when working with ladders and access equipment:

✅ Inspect Your Ladder Before Use:

Check for visible damage like cracks, worn feet, or bent rungs.
Ensure all components, including hinges and locks, are functioning properly.

✅ Follow the Three-Point Contact Rule:

Always keep two hands and one foot (or two feet and one hand) on the ladder at all times.

✅ Secure the Ladder:

Tie off ladders to a secure point or use stabilisers to prevent slipping or movement.

✅ Set Up on a Stable Surface:

Avoid soft or uneven ground, and never use ladders in adverse weather conditions.

✅ Don’t Overreach:

Keep your belt buckle between the stiles, and reposition the ladder if needed.

✅ Use the Right Weight Load:

Ensure the ladder you’re using can safely carry your weight, tools, and materials.

✅ Stay Trained and Informed:

Invest in training, like The Ladder Association or PASMA-certified courses, to understand safe working practices at height.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer work environment.

Why Lyte Ladders Are the Trade Professional’s Choice

At Lyte Ladders, we’ve been manufacturing high-quality access equipment in the UK for over 75 years, supporting trade professionals with products they can trust. Here’s why our ladders stand out:

✔️ Built for Professionals: Our ladders and towers are designed specifically for trade and industrial use, combining strength, durability, and reliability.

✔️ Fully Compliant: Lyte products adhere to relevant safety standards, ensuring you can work with confidence.

✔️ UK-Made Quality: Manufactured in our Swansea-based factory, our products are tested rigorously to withstand daily professional use.

✔️ Sustainability Focus: We’ve introduced green aluminium and sustainable practices, ensuring our products are not only strong but eco-friendly.

When it comes to working at height, don’t settle for less—choose Lyte for access solutions that prioritise your safety and efficiency.

Safety Starts with the Right Equipment

For trade professionals, working at height safely requires preparation, the right equipment, and an understanding of industry standards. By choosing high-quality, compliant ladders and following safety best practices, you can protect yourself and your team while getting the job done efficiently.

At Lyte Ladders, we’re here to support you with access solutions built for the demands of professional use.

👉 Explore our range of professional ladders and towers here.

Your safety is our priority — let’s keep you working at height confidently and securely.

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Lyte LFI stand at the Executive Hire Show 2025

Lyte & LFI at Executive Hire Show 2025

February 14, 2025

Showcasing Innovation in Access Solutions

Why Roof Ladders are Essential for Roofing Work

January 28, 2025

Working at height brings inherent risks, especially on sloped surfaces like roofs. To minimise these risks, it’s vital to use the correct access equipment. For roofing tasks, a dedicated roof ladder, such as Lyte’s market-leading TRL range, offers safety, efficiency, and protection for both the worker and the roof itself. While it may be tempting to use accessories like ridge hooks to convert a standard extension ladder into a roof ladder, this practice introduces significant hazards. As Chris Loynes, Lyte’s Health & Safety expert, explains: “A roof ladder should be a standalone product specifically designed for roof work. Accessories cannot replicate the safety and functionality of a purpose-built roof ladder.” Here’s why using the right access equipment matters and how roof ladders provide unmatched safety and reliability. Roof Ladders are Designed with Safety in Mind Roof ladders are purpose-built to tackle the unique challenges of working on sloped surfaces. Features like bearer bars, round ridged rungs, and ridge hooks are essential for: Protecting Roof Tiles: Roof ladders feature bearer bars with rubber or foam-coated stand-offs. These bars create a gap between the roof and the ladder, distributing weight evenly and protecting tiles from damage. Conversion kits for extension ladders lack this feature, which increases the risk of broken tiles. Ensuring Secure Footing: Roof ladders have round ridged rungs, designed to provide maximum grip on sloped roofs with angles between 25-60 degrees. In contrast, standard extension ladders with square or angled rungs are not designed for this purpose and can compromise footing. Preventing Ladder Movement: A robust ridge hook is critical for securing the ladder to the roof ridge. Roof ladders include heavy-duty hooks with large rubber-sleeved end bars, ensuring stability and preventing the ladder from slipping. According to The Ladder Association and HSE , using the right ladder for the task is essential for reducing fall risks and ensuring safe working conditions. Why Accessories Fall Short Conversion kits that attach ridge hooks to standard extension ladders may seem like a cost-effective solution, but they introduce serious limitations: No Weight Distribution: Standard ladders lack bearer bars, putting excessive pressure on roof tiles, leading to potential breakage. Restricted Footing: Accessories don’t account for the gap between the ladder and the roof, forcing users to rely on narrow toe holds rather than stable footing. Safety Hazards: Without proper design elements like ridge hooks and angled rungs, converted ladders are prone to slippage and instability. Choosing the Right Roof Ladder for the Job Dedicated roof ladders, like Lyte’s TRL Trade Roof Ladders , come in various sizes to suit specific tasks. Here are key features to look for: Lightweight and Durable Materials: Aluminium roof ladders, such as the TRL range, are lightweight for easy positioning without compromising strength. Heavy-Duty Ridge Hooks: Look for a large, rubber-coated end bar to secure the ladder safely to the roof. Size Options: Roof ladders come in different lengths to ensure the perfect fit for various roof designs and angles. Choosing the right ladder ensures you can complete roofing projects efficiently, safely, and without risking damage to property. Best Practices for Working Safely at Height To further reduce risks when working on roofs, follow these best practices, as outlined by HSE and The Ladder Association: Inspect Your Equipment: Check your roof ladder for any damage or wear before use. Ensure ridge hooks and bearer bars are intact and functioning properly. Position the Ladder Correctly: Place the roof ladder securely, ensuring the ridge hook is firmly attached and the bearer bars are properly aligned with the roof tiles. Maintain Three Points of Contact: Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder while climbing or working. Use Fall Protection: For extended work at height, consider using fall arrest systems, as recommended by HSE. Roof work demands the right tools to ensure safety and efficiency. Dedicated roof ladders, like Lyte’s TRL Trade Roof Ladders, provide features that accessories and conversion kits simply cannot replicate. By investing in purpose-built access equipment, you protect not only yourself but also the property you’re working on. When it comes to safety at height, shortcuts are never worth the risk. Choose a roof ladder designed for the job and work with confidence. 👉 Explore Lyte’s TRL Trade Roof Ladders here: TRL Trade Roof Ladders #LadderSafety #WorkAtHeight #RoofLadders #LyteLadders #HSEGuidelines

The Sustainability of Aluminium Ladders: Recycle for a Greener Future

January 7, 2025

We are ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our operations at Lyte Ladders, and we’re proud to use Recycled Low-Carbon Aluminium 4.0 in the rungs of our ladders and treads of our steps. However, the sustainability benefits of aluminium don’t stop there. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in the world, making ladders made from this versatile metal a smart choice for environmentally conscious businesses and individuals alike. Why Aluminium is a Sustainable Choice Aluminium is often referred to as the “green metal” because of its unique properties: • Infinite Recyclability: Unlike many other materials, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its strength or durability. This means old aluminium can be reprocessed to create new products, including ladders, with no compromise on quality. • Energy Savings: Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials. This drastic energy saving translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. • Circular Economy: Recycling aluminium supports a circular economy where materials are reused, not wasted. This reduces the demand for mining new raw materials, conserving natural resources for future generations. Recycling Aluminium Ladders in the UK The UK is well-equipped to recycle aluminium ladders, with facilities across the country capable of handling this versatile material. Here’s how it works: • Community Recycling Centres: Many local recycling centres accept aluminium items, including ladders. Simply check with your local council for drop-off points in your area. • Scrap Metal Facilities: Specialist scrap yards actively purchase aluminium scrap for recycling. Aluminium ladders can be taken to these facilities, where they’re processed into raw materials for new products. By taking your ladder to the right facility, you can help reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable recycling process. How to Prepare Aluminium Ladders for Recycling To ensure your ladder is recycled efficiently, some preparation is required. Here’s a quick guide: • Remove Non-Aluminium Components: Any plastic or rubber feet and caps, plus steel bolts should be removed before recycling. These components can often be recycled separately. • Peel Off Labels: Remove adhesive labels, stickers, and any other non-aluminium material that could contaminate the recycling process. • Check with the Facility: If in doubt, check with your chosen recycling centre or scrap yard for specific preparation requirements. Some facilities are equipped to handle minor contaminants. Proper preparation not only ensures the recycling process is smoother but also improves the quality of the recycled aluminium, making it easier to reuse. The Benefits of Recycling Aluminium Ladders Recycling aluminium ladders isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also a win for businesses and individuals alike: • Lower Carbon Footprint: Recycling saves energy and reduces emissions, helping both individuals and organisations meet their sustainability goals. • Cost-Effective: Aluminium’s recyclability helps keep raw material costs down, ensuring sustainable products remain affordable. • Support for the UK Economy: By recycling in the UK, we reduce reliance on imported materials and support local recycling facilities, jobs, and industries. A Commitment to Sustainability at Lyte Ladders From using Recycled Low-Carbon Aluminium 4.0 in our rungs and treads to ensuring our products are repairable, we’re focused on reducing waste and minimising our environmental impact. By choosing aluminium ladders, you’re investing in a product that’s not only built to last but also built to be part of a sustainable future. Join Us in Building a Greener Future By recycling your old ladders and choosing products made from sustainable materials, you can play a vital role in reducing waste and conserving resources. Together, we can make a difference — one ladder at a time. If you’re interested in learning more about our sustainable products, get in touch with the Lyte team today. Let’s take steps toward a greener, more sustainable future.