Mobile Ladders With Platforms for Working at Height: Regulations & Safety

Step ladders are an important part of workplace safety equipment in many workplaces, including offices, warehouses and industrial units. Whether employees need to undertake construction or maintenance work at height or safely pick goods from shelves, ladders provide an essential route to allow employees to work safely at height. Working at height starts with the right equipment. Mobile ladders with platforms are one of the most reliable solutions for those seeking a solution for short-term tasks which are undertaken at height. 

Step ladders with platforms are designed to allow employees to safely work at height. Available in a variety of heights, they feature a number of steps prior to reaching a working platform. Available with a non-slip or punched metal surface, the safety ladders are often equipped with double handrails for optimum security and safety. The workplace platform is generally provided with a guardrail to prevent falls at height and toe boards. Provided on wheels, they are designed to easily be manoeuvred around the workplace and warehouse when needed. They are commonly seen in warehouses to assist with packing, in industrial units and in offices to access hard-to-reach shelves. 

The key safety features of mobile ladders with platforms include: 

• Large mobile work platform to allow users to complete work safety
• High 150kg capacity making it suitable for one user plus tools 
• Dual handrails to allow users to easily go up and down the ladder 
• Rolling ladder with wheels to allow the warehouse ladder to be moved into position without the requirement to lift the ladder
• Safety brakes to secure it in position prior to use 
• Guardrails around the working platform to prevent the risk of falls 

Working at height always carries risks, including when using ladders. The most common hazard is falling, which can result in serious injury or even death. Such incidents often occur when users overreach, slip on the steps, climb while carrying heavy tools, or use ladders without proper guardrails or fall protection.

Before using any ladder or step platform in the workplace, it is essential to carry out a thorough risk assessment. This helps identify potential hazards and ensures that the correct equipment and safety procedures are in place to prevent accidents.

In the UK legislation is in place to protect employees who are using ladders and steps in the workplace. 

Key UK legislation:

• The Work at Height Regulation 2005 are in place to ensure employees can safely work at heights
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to ensure health and safety and protect employees from risk
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)  explains how to make sure work equipment, including ladders, are safe to use.

Prior to using ladders in the workplace you should also consult your own internal policies. Discuss the requirement for a ladder with your Health and Safety Officer where relevant. If you are certified to ISO 45001, the auditor will also normally wish to check risk assessments of the ladder have been undertaken. 

The HSE provides guidance around the safe use of ladders and stepladders in the workplace. 

In the UK, various regulations govern employees working at height. Before deciding to use a ladder in the workplace, employers must carry out a risk assessment to determine whether a ladder is the most suitable solution for the task. When conducting a ladder risk assessment, consider the following:

• Is the area flat and dry to ensure ladder stability? Ladders should only be used on level, clean surfaces.
• Is the area safe for ladder use? For example, moving plant machinery or forklifts in a warehouse may pose a collision risk.
• Where will the ladder be positioned? If placed in front of a door, it could be displaced when the door opens or block access to a fire escape.
• What tasks will be performed? Ladders are generally recommended only for tasks lasting less than 30 minutes.
• Is the task light-duty? Ladders typically support up to 150kg. If heavy equipment is required, alternatives like a scissor lift may be more appropriate.

It is recommended mobile ladders and platforms should be checked and inspected daily for signs of wear and tear, they should also be checked before use. 

When inspecting a ladder, you should check the following:

• Ensure the rungs are not bent or damaged
• Check for any loose bolts or fixings 
• Verify that the brake function is working correctly
• Ensure the ladder remains clean and free from dirt, including in the wheels 
• Check the ladder does not have signs of dents, twists or corrosion
• Ensure the feet remain flat on the ground 

Ladders should not be used if any faults are noted, instead it is recommended faults are escalated to management and, where relevant the step manufacturer for advice. 

BS EN 131-1:2015 is the standard which focuses on ladders. The standard covers the terms, types and functional sizes of ladders. The standard covers professional and non-professional (domestic) ladders. The standard provides details of testing and marking which ladders should have, along with user instructions. 

Under UK law ladders are not required to comply to BS EN 131 however they are required to comply to the General Product Safety Regulations (2005) (GPSR). If ladders comply to BS EN 131 it assists to show they comply to GPSR requirements. Trading Standards and the HSE do strongly encourage for ladders to comply to ES EN 131. Unlike many other products in Europe, ladders do not require CE marking. 

BS EN 131-7:2013 is a British and European safety standard which focuses on Mobile ladders with platforms. The standard outlines recommended for the design of mobile ladders and platforms and recommendations for how to use them safely. The standard is regularly used by ladder manufacturers, ladder designers and those undertaking quality control. 

BS EN 131-7:2013 Mobile Ladders With Platform recommends:

• Maximum of 1 user on a ladder at one time 
• Maximum capacity of 150kg, this can include the person and tools 
• Visual checks are completed prior to using the ladder to check for signs of wear and damage, including inspecting the feet 
• Only use ladders on flat ground 
• Where the platform is 2500mm or above, the steps should only be used inside 

Yes, in the UK, employees should be trained to use a ladder, including industrial ladders, safely in the workplace. The Ladder Association, which is recommended by the HSE, provides users with training on how to use a ladder correctly.

The HSE provides guidance on using ladders safely, you should also complete a training course prior to using a ladder and refer to the manufacturer's guidance. Guidance on using ladders safely includes: 

• Only carry light tools and equipment on ladders and ensure to adhere to the maximum safe working load (SWL) of the ladder
• Do not overreach, the ladder should be positioned at the correct height 
• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder, for example your two feet and one hand on the handrail 
• Only allow one person on the ladder at one time 
• Ensure the ladder is on flat ground 
• Undertake ladder checks prior to use to identify signs of damage or defects, do not use the ladder if you notice any damage 

There is an extensive range of ladders available for the workplace. We would recommend considering the below prior to purchasing a portable ladder:

• What is your working height? This is the vertical height from the ground to where the task will be undertaken. Our ladders provide an approximate working height based on the height of the ladder.
• What is the width of the area you have available? Consider the width of the area where the ladder will be used and also consider the width of any doors the ladder will need to go through. Narrow ladders are available for smaller areas.
• What size platform do you require? Some mobile steps come with larger platforms which may be more suitable if the worker wishes to have tools on the platform. 
• Where will the ladder be used? For example, if the ladder is being used in a loading bay and 3-sided access is required, we would suggest the Truck-Dock Platform Ladder.
• Check the weight of the ladder. Many of the ladders are provided on wheels to allow them to be moved into position. They are often quite heavy if you wish to lift and move them so it is important to consider this. Steel ladders are generally heavier than aluminium ladder and more suited to industrial use whilst aluminium ladders are often more portable. 
• Do you wish to use the ramp indoors or outdoors? Most of the ladders we offer are for indoor use only 
• Which safety features do you require on the ladder? Many prefer dual handrails and guardrails around the working platform. We also recommend ladders with an anti-slip or punched surface. 
• Do you require a portable solution? If you require a portable solution which can easily be stored you may wish to look for a folding or telescopic ladder. 

The Ramp People offer an extensive range of Platform Step Ladders available in a range of heights and widths to meet your workplace's requirements. The ladders are Kitemarked to BN131-7 and can be customised on request. 

We also offer Platform Step Ladders with Handrails, available in heights up to 1310mm. These safety steps offer double handrails, an anti-slip platform and a safe working platform. These steps are available assembled or unassembled. Delivery is free across mainland UK with the option to upgrade to a next day delivery service. 

For low heights, or to reduce the distance between the ground and a high step, we also offer adjustable metal steps. 

For advice on choosing the right ladder for your workplace please contact our team.