This guide will take you through everything you need to know before purchasing a ladder for your workplace, warehouse, or business park.

We will walk you through the key health and safety regulations in place, whether it is safe to use a ladder in your workplace, and what maintenance and training are required to ensure ladders are used safely.

Ladders are regularly used in homes and workplaces across the UK to allow workers to safely access locations above ground. They are routinely used in warehouses to undertake picking tasks, and by those carrying out maintenance work on site.

Ladders are permitted in workplaces; however, it is essential that regulations are adhered to, and relevant risk assessments are completed prior to their use to ensure employees remain safe whilst working at height. This guide focuses on the use of ladders within the workplace.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) set out the requirements for employers to protect employees using ladders in the workplace. The guidance details the safety measures and procedures that must be in place to allow workers to work at height safely.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website outlines how to safely use a ladder in the workplace, how to check a ladder is safe, and how to inspect a ladder.

The Ladder Association, recommended by the HSE, promotes the safe use of portable ladders and provides training and guidance on using ladders.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a guide to working at height, including a step-by-step guide to help you decide whether a ladder should be used.

In the UK, portable ladders are covered by BS EN 131-1. This standard defines the terms, types, and sizes of ladders.For example, for Telescopic Ladders, you should refer to BS EN 131-6. For mobile ladders with platforms, BS EN 131-7 applies. These standards provide guidance and are often used to demonstrate that a ladder is safe for use. However, they are not a legal requirement.

The HSE recommends that ladders should only be used for short-duration tasks, typically those taking less than 30 minutes.

A risk assessment must be completed before using a ladder to ensure it is suitable for the task and that the user is protected from the risk of falls. For example, a ladder should only be used on flat, level ground where it can be secured to ensure stability during use.

It is also important to consider external hazards. In a warehouse, for instance, ensure the ladder will not be struck by a moving forklift and will not obstruct emergency exits.

Ladders should be regularly checked for signs of wear and damage. If any wear or damage is noted, the ladder must not be used.

It is recommended that ladders are inspected daily and before each use. Records should be kept of these checks.

Key checks include ensuring the ladder is not cracked, worn, or damaged—particularly on the feet and rungs.

When using a ladder, it is important to mitigate the risk of falls or injury. Requirements can vary depending on the type of ladder, but the following are key safety practices:

BS EN 131 provides details of non-professional and professional ladders.

While both types have the same load capacity, professional ladders are designed for commercial use and built to be more durable than domestic ladders.

Aluminium ladders are generally lightweight and easy to move. However, they must not be used near open electrical wires due to the risk of electric shock.

Steel ladders are heavier but typically more durable, making them ideal for those seeking a long-lasting solution.

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