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Understanding UK Ladder Standards

November 20, 2024

At Lyte Ladders & Towers, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We ensure our ladders and towers comply with stringent UK safety standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Ladder Association, and PASMA

UK Ladder Standards 

In the UK, ladder standards are outlined by HSE and are enforced to ensure products are safe for use. This includes the EN 131 standard, and these regulations form a core part of the Work at Height Regulations (2005), which mandate the use of compliant, safe ladders in workplaces. 


The EN 131 standard is a European-wide safety standard for portable ladders, covering both professional and non-professional use. It ensures that ladders meet minimum safety, performance, and durability requirements. EN 131 is divided into several parts: 

  • EN 131-1: Specifies dimensions, materials, and the ladder's load capacity (up to 150kg). 
  • EN 131-2: Defines testing for strength, slip resistance, and stability. 
  • EN 131-3: Provides user instructions for safe use and maintenance. 
  • EN 131-4: Applies to hinged ladders with multiple configurations. 


Lyte Ladders adheres to these standards to ensure maximum safety and reliability for all users. 



The Role of the Ladder Association 

The Ladder Association is the not-for-profit lead industry body dedicated to promoting the safe use of portable ladders. They work closely with other trade and professional bodies, industry regulators and key decision makers, to support codes of good practice and minimum standards for equipment and training in the work at height sector. Their members include equipment manufacturers, rental companies and training providers. 

  

The Ladder Association offers a range of accredited ladder safety training courses, delivered through a network of audited and approved training centres. In addition to administering the LadderCard training scheme, they publish safety guidance, a Code of Practice and technical notes (free to download from their website). 

 

For more information, visit the Ladder Association website. 

 

PASMA Standards for Scaffold Towers 

For scaffold towers, Lyte Ladders adheres to PASMA standards, the UK’s foremost authority on mobile access towers. Towers manufactured by Lyte comply with both EN 1004 (mobile access towers) and PASMA's guidelines, ensuring safety when working at height. PASMA also provides essential training for using mobile towers safely, which Lyte recommends to all our customers. 


The EN 1004 standard covers the design, construction, and safety requirements for mobile access and working towers, often referred to as scaffold towers. The standard outlines specifications for towers that are free-standing, height-adjustable, and mobile, typically made from materials like aluminium or fibreglass. EN 1004 applies to towers with platform heights from 2.5m to 8m indoors and 2.5m to 12m outdoors


Key aspects of the standard include: 

  • Material strength and load-bearing capacity
  • Requirements for base stability
  • Guardrails, toe boards, and access points for safety. 
  • Assembly and dismantling instructions for ensuring safety during use. 


At Lyte Ladders, our mobile towers are designed to meet or exceed the EN 1004 standard, ensuring that they are safe, durable, and reliable for professionals working at height. 

 

Lyte's Commitment to Safety 

At Lyte Ladders & Towers, we are dedicated to ensuring that all our products meet or exceed UK safety standards. We work closely with organisations like HSE, the Ladder Association, and PASMA to ensure that every ladder and tower adheres to the most current safety regulations. Whether for construction, maintenance, or trade professionals, we prioritise the safety and security of every user. 


By choosing Lyte Ladders & Towers, you’re not only getting a high-quality product but also one that’s built on the foundation of stringent safety standards. 


For more information on UK ladder standards, you can visit the HSE website, Ladder Association, or PASMA


March 3, 2025
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.
Lyte LFI stand at the Executive Hire Show 2025
February 14, 2025
Showcasing Innovation in Access Solutions
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
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