Stepladders find their ubiquitous use in both domestic as well as industrial settings. The only difference is, ladders for a home can carry a minimum 100 kg of weight as per their standard load rating, while industrial-use ladders come with the minimum load rating of 120kg. 

That means if you need a ladder for a work site, such as factories, construction sites, offices, or shops, then you need to buy a ladder with industrial load ratings. 

Nowadays, many modern types of step ladders can be found in the market. The new equipment designed with advanced technologies makes your everyday task quite safe to perform. 

Here is a brief on some of their latest features.

Features of the stepladders 

While having a wide range of choice in any product can be a plus point, but nothing can beat the supremacy of the latest features when it comes to judging their performance. Today, manufacturers use advanced technologies to make their ladders more efficient and safe to use.

Tri-brace

Stepladders with tri-bracing are quite stronger compared to the ones having only strip brace. Tri-bracing provides support throughout the distance of the stile and the tread. The strip brace, on the other hand, gives support at the top and the bottom points only. 

Because of tri-bracing, you don’t have to face the problem of getting your piece of clothing or body parts hitched up on the open voids, which can result in accidents sometimes.

Punchlock

This technology is used to connect the stile and the tread in a way so that the ladder can stay stable and rigid. Sometimes, tread becomes loose due to stress, overuse or deformation. But this method ensures its longevity and durability. 

Double hollow tread

The stepladders that are made with dual hollow tread can offer higher resistance to twisting and bending compared to the traditional ‘C' section treads, which only have one web with support at the top. As a result of this type of construction, the ‘C’ section treads tend to extend out.

Lightweight

Another differentiator in the latest models of the stepladders is their ability to be lightweight without compromising on the strength. The inclusion of aluminium alloys in the structure provides them with required rigor and durability.

How to buy the right ladder for your need? 

At the time of buying, you need to assess your choice from a variety of factors apart from their features and designs.

Inspecting the ladder

Make sure the ladder you purchase has all its components intact. There are no missing or loose ends. The steps are also sturdy. This thorough checking will help you prevent any accidents or injuries that mostly occur due to falling, mechanical defects, or poor maintenance. 

Also, the ladder should be suitable for the environment where you intend to use it. As mentioned earlier, there are different types of them for home and commercial use.

Analyse the condition of the environment

Considering not just the quality of the product but also where it will be employed can make an enormous difference to your selection. For example, would it have been better if you chose a fibreglass ladder instead of a metal one for electrical work? 

A few considerations like these can go a long way in ensuring safety for the user. You can check whether the ladder is safe to use in wet or windy conditions. Is the surface stable enough to balance the ladder and the load of the person? The height at which it will be needed is another critical point to ponder over.

Evaluate the nature of the task

What kind of job the ladder will be used to perform can also help you decide your choice to a great deal. For example, you have to see whether the worker will need to use both hands to do his job (such as putting sale banners) while at the top of the ladder. 

How long will the ladder be used? If the task is going to take an extended time, then you can probably choose from platform step ladders. Besides, how many people can climb it at a time and how much weight they can carry along with them are the other factors that also need to be looked into for the correct decision.

Types of stepladders

You will get different kinds of stepladders both online and in the physical market. If you are aware of your needs beforehand, it will not take much time in deciding the type of equipment you should buy. Some of them are discussed below.

Single-sided stepladder: These lightweight and durable ladders come with industrial ratings of 150 kg. These are suitable for commercial and industrial use.

Double-sided stepladder: As the name suggests, this style of the ladder can be climbed from both sides. They offer higher load resistance and are best for heavy duty work.

Platform stepladder: With the industrial rating of 170kg, these ladders offer more strength and durability. These are beneficial for working at heights as they feature a safe temporary platform for work.

Extendable stepladders: These versatile stepladders allow you to extend their height or to turn them into low trestles, depending on the requirement. For big DIY projects and tradesperson, these make an excellent choice.

These are only a few of the many varieties that you will find in the market. They can be made of aluminium, fibreglass or wooden materials. 

Aluminium stepladders are not ideal for electrical work or the site close to power lines because they are electrical conductors. So, going with a fibreglass or wooden choice can be better. 

However, it has to be noted that no matter what material you select for your ladder, you cannot use it in wet conditions for an electrical task.

How to use stepladder safely?

Furthermore, don't think your job is done once you get the stepladder of your choice. You have to follow specific safety guidelines to prevent the occurrence of unfortunate events. 

Just because the quality of the equipment is right, you cannot leave it at that. Adhering to safety measures is necessary. For that, you need to ensure the following things:

Whether you are close to the ground or higher, you need to make sure before climbing the ladder that it has all its nuts and bolts tight. The surface you place it on is stable. Also, don't try to use any additional items to extend the ladder's height or utility. It can prove dangerous.

It is essential to read the manufacturer's manual before using it. Also, you cannot climb more than two third of the steps of a ladder for security reasons. Going on top can prove fatal, especially if there is height.

Another common mistake that most of us make while using the ladder is that we try to grab things that are out of reach by extending or stretching ourselves. Never do this as it can destabilise your ladder and even topple it, causing you immense injury.

So, are you ready to buy your stepladder? Keep the points discussed above in mind so that everything becomes easy for you, right from purchasing to using it. If you want you can explore the option of Bailey step ladders in stores. These are known for their quality and competitive rates.