{"id":4318,"date":"2020-02-14T15:16:16","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T15:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.workplace-products.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4318"},"modified":"2026-01-08T16:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:08:11","slug":"reach-new-heights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.workplace-products.co.uk\/blog\/reach-new-heights\/","title":{"rendered":"Reach New Heights!"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a task involves the use of access equipment<\/a>, you\u2019re always going to be dealing with some risks. To make sure you have all the right equipment to avoid as many risks you can, we have written a guideline for you to pick the perfect ladder for you.<\/p>\n

Firstly, there are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure that the equipment you are buying is suitable for the job that you are using them for.<\/p>\n

What equipment is best for the job in the hand?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You must identify which product is suitable for the task. Do you need a step stool, step ladder extension ladder or work platform? Each product is tailored to do specific tasks choosing one is\u00a0difficult, reading the following questions will make the decision a little easier.<\/p>\n

How long will the equipment be used for?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Certain equipment isn\u2019t designed for long term use; if carrying out a long-term task at height, you must invest in a suitable platform. Mobile scaffold and work platforms are designed for long term use whilst making working at height safer for the user. Ladders on the other hand are best suited to short term use.<\/p>\n

What height will you be working at?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every product will have a working height so this factor is one you must consider. For low level work will need different equipment to do your job safely compared to a job working at heights. By not choosing a product which has a suitable maximum working height you are increasing the risk of a fall.<\/p>\n

Will you be working around electricity?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Access equipment is mainly constructed from Aluminium or Fibreglass. Fibreglass is the best choice of ladder whilst working around electricity due to its non-conductivity. However, if the ladder is constructed of steel; electricity is still a hazard.<\/p>\n

Risk Assessment
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before using any access equipment, a risk assessment must be carried out every time. This will ensure that you have minimised the risks of falling from a height. Even falling from a lower height such as a step stool can cause serious injury.
\nAn adequate risk assessment would include:
\n1.<\/strong> Look at any hazards that could be associated from falling from height around the workplace and at the site used.
\n2.<\/strong> Decided how certain hazards around the workplace will affect the user and surrounding people.
\n3.<\/strong> Consider the risks, are there measures in place to deal with these risks?
\n4.<\/strong> Record the findings. If any changes do occur, you can then ensure you have the precautions in place to deal with these risks.<\/p>\n

Want to find the perfect access equipment for you? We have the perfect options for you!<\/p>\n

Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kicks steps and step stool are all low level access equipment<\/a>. The step stool is usually two treads high and perfect for when you are needing a little bit of height. However, a folding step stools are a little bit different as they have a maximum platform height of 1m and can fold for easy transport or storage.<\/p>\n

Examples of use include:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong>\u00a0Assembly work at low level only
\n2.<\/strong> Cleaning
\n3.<\/strong> Access to machines<\/p>\n

Ladders<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As ladders are usually lightweight, as a result of this, they are quick to deploy and use at any moment. There are many different types of ladders<\/a> including: step ladders, extension ladders, multi-purpose ladders etc. Ladders are suited to short tasks with low levels of risks.<\/p>\n

Examples of use include:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong> Measuring and alignment work
\n2.<\/strong> Changing lamps
\n3.<\/strong> Access to a workstation<\/p>\n

Good Practice:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong> Measuring and alignment work
\n2.<\/strong> Erect at a safe angle
\n3.<\/strong> Secured (at the top)
\n4.<\/strong> Positioned close to the work site to avoid over-reacting
\n5.<\/strong> Clearly marked out at the base to avoid anybody or vehicles bumping into the ladders
\n6.<\/strong> Only one person on the ladder at one time<\/p>\n

Work Platforms<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nWork platforms<\/a> offer the safety and stability needed when work needs two hands. With integrated castors making them easy to move and suitable for mobile applications. Robust bars at knew high ensure a safety railing for additional safety.
\nWork platforms are ideal for longer tasks involving heavy materials or the need for two hands. They bridge the gap between a ladder and a work platform.<\/p>\n

Examples of use include:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong> Lengthy maintenance and inspection jobs
\n2.<\/strong> Work with machines
\n3.<\/strong> Lengthy \u2018overhead\u2019 jobs
\n4.<\/strong> Shelf work with bulky items<\/p>\n

Mobile Scaffolding<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nMobile Scaffolding provides a very large work platform which allows you to comfortably and safety for working at a height. With castors to enable them to be mobile.<\/p>\n

Examples of use include:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong> Dry construction work
\n2.<\/strong> Maintenance and repairs to ceilings
\n3.<\/strong> Lengthy work on facades or walls<\/p>\n

Good Practice:<\/strong>
\n1.<\/strong> Erected by a trained person
\n2.<\/strong> Must have stabilisers deployed s necessary to meet the correct height to base ratio
\n3.<\/strong> Must use stabilisers if above 2.5m high
\n4.<\/strong> Have all castors firmly locked before use
\n5.<\/strong> Needs a ladder access to the work platform
\n6.<\/strong> Never move a scaffolding unit while the tower is in use
\n7.<\/strong> Regularly inspect and maintain<\/p>\n

Our range of access equipment includes but not limited to EN131 warehouse steps, step stools, work platform and mobile scaffolding.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When a task involves the use of access equipment, you\u2019re always going to be dealing with some risks. To make sure you have all the right equipment to avoid as many risks you can, we have written a guideline for you to pick the perfect ladder for you. Firstly, there are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure that the equipment you are buying is suitable for the job that you are using them for. What equipment is best for the job in the hand? You must identify which product<\/p>\n