Ladder Classification Guide

November 18, 2024 | Nate Cord

This guide will walk you through the most up-to-date ladder classifications in the UK, including why and how ladders are classified, and the impact this has for both professionals and DIYers.

What Is Ladder Classification?

Ladder classifications help users understand what a ladder should (and shouldn’t) be used for based on its build.

The classification of ladders used to fall under the British Standards (BS) and EN131. However, in 2018, the UK took on the new EN131 European standard. This new revision addressed issues with the previous standard, which didn’t account for the stability, slip, durability and strength of ladders — key areas that make up the main causes of ladder accidents.

Instead, the new EN131 standard addresses the stability of the ladder, its usable lifespan, and recommendations on the appropriate use or application. It also improves ladder safety by making ladders wider, stronger and sturdier. In addition, ladders over 3m now require a stabiliser bar at the bottom of the ladder.

Ladders are no longer made to the withdrawn British Standards BS 2037 and BS 1129 (otherwise known as Class 1 and Class 3 ladders) and are unavailable to purchase new. However, unless your ladder has been recalled, you can still use a Class 1 and Class 3 ladder — providing it is safe to do so — until it is time for a replacement.

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Current EN131 Regulations

The new EN131 regulation aligns ladder classifications across Europe in a simple, two-class system:

• EN131 Professional: For industrial, trade & business use.
• EN131 Non-Professional: For infrequent home/DIY use.

Regardless of whether a ladder is professional or non-professional, all EN131-certified ladders are required to have a maximum load rating of at least 150 kg, including the user, their tools, equipment and any materials.

Ladders will also need to meet specific requirements, be independently tested and certified for compliance, and then labelled accordingly with the EN131 Standard once passed.

What Does the EN131 Test Include?

For standard leaning ladders, the EN131 includes the following tests:

• Base Slip Test
• Lateral Deflection
• Bend Test
• Strength Test
• Torsion Test

Standing ladders, on the other hand, are checked using the following tests:

• Durability Test
• Opening Restraints and Hinge Test
• Torsion Test

Both classifications (professional and non-professional) undergo similar tests. However, a professional ladder must undergo 50,000 repetitions, whereas a non-professional must undergo 10,000. Thus, professional ladders have been tested 5 times more than non-professional ladders due to the nature of their use.

Note that telescopic ladders come under the certification of EN131 Part 6 which is specifically for telescopic ladders. These ladders undergo similar strength, durability and slip tests, but there are additional requirements to ensure that each rung is locked when the ladder is in use and that there is a visible sign of this.

What About Step Stools?

EN14183 is the European Standard that specifies the requirements for step stools, stair-type steps and dome-type step stools. The step stools can be made from steel, aluminium or plastic, can be up to 1m tall, and have a maximum total load of 150kg.

The standard specifies the requirements for the following to meet the standard: functional dimensions, designations and requirements, type (fixed/folding stair type, fold out, dome out), materials, slip resistance, seat suitability and vertical static load.

What About Trestles & Stagings?

The specifications for trestles and stagings (types of work platform) in BS 1129 and BS 2037 remain current and valid while the Ladder Association continue to work with BSI and other parties on the revisions to those standards.

Note that some other work platforms, namely hop ups, do not have a standard to be manufactured or tested to. When purchasing a hop up or other work platforms, ensure that you purchase from a reputable manufacturer.

Is EN131 a Legal Requirement?

The UK’s Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandates that businesses must ensure proper ladder selection, inspection, and maintenance. Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees use ladders rated for the specific work and weight requirements of each job.
However, the EN131 regulation is a guideline and not compulsory by law. That said, professional safety bodies (including the Health and Safety Executive) will expect manufacturers to comply with this, and for professionals to upgrade to EN131-certified products when a replacement is eventually needed (if their current ladder is not EN13-certified).

How Often Should Ladders Be Inspected?

A ladder should be inspected before each use, and a detailed inspection should be carried out every three to six months by a competent person trained in ladder inspection. If you have a non-EN131 ladder, there is no need to replace or exchange your existing ladders until you need a replacement, just be sure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance. Learn more in our complete guide to ladder inspections.
If you require additional advice or have a question for our team on ladder classification, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at 01639 849847.

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