A ladder is used to gain access to areas at a height that are normally out of reach. If you are working at height then safety is paramount – a fall can cause injury or even worse.
If you are making an industrial ladder purchase, then here are five things to consider before making your purchase.
1. Choose a Ladder That’s Suited to Your Use
You may be tempted to go for a ladder that covers as many angles as possible, but more often than not this isn’t the correct way to purchase this type of equipment. There are many different ladder designs, and if you go for the ‘one size fits all’ solution, the chances are you’ll purchase a model that’s not quite suited for your intended use. Choose one (or a number of different models) ideal for the task(s) you need.
2. Choose the Right Height
To be safe, a ladder should not extend a person’s reach by more than four or five feet. For example, if you purchase a ten-foot ladder, the maximum reach is fourteen or fifteen feet. Don’t buy an eight-foot ladder if its intended use is to reach areas at fourteen feet in height. This will cause over-reaching and can, therefore, be extremely dangerous.
3. Choose the Right Load Capacity
Ladders can also be used for carrying items and then placing them at heights that are not usually attainable from ground level. If you choose a ladder with too light a load-bearing capacity then the ladder may collapse when in use, causing injury. It’s important that you make the correct choice when considering load.
4. Choose the Right Material
For light-duty ladders that are going to be moved frequently, you will need the ladder to be constructed out of a light material. Aluminum is ideal in this regard. For heavy-duty needs, you will need strength, so steel is the way to go. If you have the need to move a heavy ladder, obtain one that has locking wheels.
Choose an Experienced Distributor of Industrial Ladders
When shopping for the best ladders for all types of applications and capacities, our team at Douglas Equipment points our customers towards the benefits of EGA Products. They have hundreds of different ladders selections for every need you could possibly think of. Do you need an industrial-standard ladder made from strong steel with wheels and locks for both mobility and safety? Then EGA will have just the model for you. Do you need a light, low-capacity ladder for use in an office? EGA has a model for that as well! EGA can also supply plenty of optional features, such as different step types depending on your requirements and folding ladders that can easily be put away for when available space is at a premium.
If you have any doubts about making the right choice when buying an industrial ladder, the team at Douglas Equipment is here to help. You can contact us any time at 1-800-451-0030 or ask us a question online today!
